End Stage Kidney Failure
Dialysis and kidney transplantation are treatments for End Stage Kidney Failure. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. As the kidneys lose their ability to function, fluid, waste products, and electrolytes begin to build up in the blood. Dialysis is generally planned when their kidney function is <15 percent of normal.
KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
Kidney transplantation is considered the treatment of choice. Quality of life and survival are often better than in people who are treated with dialysis.
Some people with HIV infection may be eligible for kidney transplantation if their disease is well controlled.
Advantages — A successful kidney transplant can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of dying.
In addition, people who undergo kidney transplantation do not require hours of daily dialysis treatment. Ideally, patients who are eligible to get a kidney transplant do so before ever starting on dialysis.
Disadvantages — Kidney transplantation is a major surgical procedure that has risks both during and after the surgery. The usual risks are as of any surgery. Rejection of kidney can also occur.
After transplantation, you will be required to take medications and have frequent monitoring by blood tests; this must continue for your entire lifetime.
HEMODIALYSIS
In hemodialysis, your blood is pumped through a dialysis machine to remove waste products and excess fluids. You would need either an AV Fistula or a cathter for the procedure. This allows blood to be removed from the body, circulate through the dialysis machine, and then return to the body.
Advantages — It is not known if hemodialysis has clear advantages over the other type of dialysis (peritoneal dialysis) in terms of survival. The choice between the two types of dialysis is generally based upon other factors, including your preferences, home supports, and underlying medical problems. You should begin with the type of dialysis that you and your doctors think is best.
Disadvantages — Low blood pressure is the most common complication of hemodialysis and can be accompanied by lightheadedness, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. The access can become infected or develop blood clots. Patients have to travel to hospital for treatment.
KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
Kidney transplantation is considered the treatment of choice. Quality of life and survival are often better than in people who are treated with dialysis.
Some people with HIV infection may be eligible for kidney transplantation if their disease is well controlled.
Advantages — A successful kidney transplant can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of dying.
In addition, people who undergo kidney transplantation do not require hours of daily dialysis treatment. Ideally, patients who are eligible to get a kidney transplant do so before ever starting on dialysis.
Disadvantages — Kidney transplantation is a major surgical procedure that has risks both during and after the surgery. The usual risks are as of any surgery. Rejection of kidney can also occur.
After transplantation, you will be required to take medications and have frequent monitoring by blood tests; this must continue for your entire lifetime.
HEMODIALYSIS
In hemodialysis, your blood is pumped through a dialysis machine to remove waste products and excess fluids. You would need either an AV Fistula or a cathter for the procedure. This allows blood to be removed from the body, circulate through the dialysis machine, and then return to the body.
Advantages — It is not known if hemodialysis has clear advantages over the other type of dialysis (peritoneal dialysis) in terms of survival. The choice between the two types of dialysis is generally based upon other factors, including your preferences, home supports, and underlying medical problems. You should begin with the type of dialysis that you and your doctors think is best.
Disadvantages — Low blood pressure is the most common complication of hemodialysis and can be accompanied by lightheadedness, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. The access can become infected or develop blood clots. Patients have to travel to hospital for treatment.