Transplant vs. Dialysis

While dialysis is a life-saving treatment, it can only do 10-15% of the work of a functioning kidney. A working kidney removes wastes from the body 24 hours a day and a single transplanted kidney can do 50-85% of the work of two functioning kidneys.

Most patients say the quality of their lives is better with a kidney transplant than with dialysis. There are many reasons a kidney transplant could improve the quality of your life:

You could feel better and have more energy. Transplant is a more effective treatment than dialysis. A kidney transplant can do 50%-80% of the work of two functioning kidneys, while dialysis can only do 10%-15% of the work of a functioning kidney. A kidney working 24 hours a day can make you feel more energetic and healthier.

You could live longer. Unfortunately, dialysis treatments are hard on the body and can cause other medical problems like heart problems and infections. Transplant patients tend to live longer. Some patients say that their most important reason for getting a transplant is that they want to be around for their kids and grandkids.

You could eat and drink what you want! Transplant patients do not have special liquid and food diets that dialysis patients must follow. Transplant patients can drink all the liquids they want and eat the foods they enjoyed before they had kidney disease.

You could have more time and be more independent. Family members of transplant patients report that their loved one needs less help from day-to-day than they needed while on dialysis. Dialysis treatments can take 12 hours a week or more, whereas with a kidney transplant you will need to take your medication and keep up with your doctor and lab work.

You could have more freedom to travel. Dialysis patients can travel but have to schedule dialysis appointments at dialysis centers in the area they are visiting.