Lifelong commitment to treating kidney failure
When chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses to kidney failure, the work of your kidneys must be done in other ways. The main options for treating kidney failure are:
- Dialysis – regular treatments to remove waste and extra fluid from your blood.
- Kidney transplant – an operation that places a healthy kidney from another person into your body. The kidney may come from someone who has died (called a deceased kidney donor) or from a healthy relative, spouse, friend, or anonymous donor (called a living kidney donor).
It is important to understand that dialysis and kidney transplant are not cures. Both involve a lifelong commitment to treating kidney failure.
Studies show that patients who have successful kidney transplant live longer than patients treated with dialysis. Patients also report better quality of life after transplant.
Comparing dialysis and kidney transplant to determine which is best for you
While both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, studies show that patients who have a successful kidney transplant live longer than patients treated with dialysis.* Also, many patients who have a transplant report having better quality of life compared to being on dialysis. Kidney transplant patients enjoy being able to return to work, travel more freely, and live without diet and fluid restrictions.
*Source: U.S. Renal Data System 2013 Annual Report. End-Stage Renal Disease in the United States.
