Unraveling Facts About Kidney Transplantation

by Akash Sharma Akash Sharma

“The idea is not to live forever, but to live a little longer.”

More often than not, we talk about medical care as though it is crystal-clear. You suddenly wake up with a problem, you immediately see a doctor, and, hopefully, you get a solution. However, it is not always that easy. Sometimes, the problem itself can arise as a threat, and when it comes to the correct treatment, it is often about understanding trade offs.

The kidney’s primary function is to remove waste from the bloodstream. However, the waste starts to accumulate in the body when the kidneys fail to perform this function. In the due course of time, this accumulation of waste may lead to kidney failure, which in turn, may lead to death.

In a kidney transplant, the defunct kidney is replaced with a healthy kidney of a donor. Unfortunately, the procedure of kidney transplant is often discredited owing to a number of myths. Many myths prevail about kidney transplant regarding when you should get it, how much a kidney transplant really costs, and who is eligible.

The following is a reality check over these myths:

Myth: Kidney transplant should be at the bottom of your list.

Fact: It should be your first option.

The time to think about transplant should be at its earliest. The first question one should ask themselves if they are faced with advanced kidney disease should be,‘Do I really want a transplant or should I replace my kidney function with dialysis?’

To begin with, you don’t need to be on dialysis first. In fact, a precautionary transplant, that is, the one given before dialysis, shall allow you to avoid dialysis for the most part. This, more often than not, indicates that you are going to live longer and better after your kidney transplant.

Myth: Kidney transplant fails most of the time

Fact : According to data, the success rate of a kidney transplant is as high as 95%.

With the introduction of new, advanced technology being used in some of the best kidney transplant hospitals, the rate of failure is almost zero. As of now, the success rate of a kidney transplant in India is somewhere around 90%.

Myth: You should avoid kidney transplant if you’ve been on dialysis for a long time.

Fact: No matter how long you’ve been on dialysis, you can still benefit from a transplant.

The earlier you get a transplant, the better it is. However, this does not necessarily mean that being on dialysis for a long time is a disqualifier for a kidney transplant. Even if you’ve been on dialysis for a long time, you can still reap the benefits of a kidney transplantation.

Myth: Kidney transplant is a lot more expensive than dialysis.

Fact: Dialysis is required throughout the patient’s life.

However, if we compare the expenses of both - dialysis as against the one-time cost in kidney transplant, the transplant certainly works out as a better choice.

Myth: I’ll stick with dialysis. I’m afraid of kidney transplant surgery.

Fact: A transplant will enhance your quality of life.

Surgery and risks go hand in hand and may also pose a financial threat. However, it is important to think through the risks and benefits involved in getting your kidney transplanted, deciding how you want to live your life.

Studies have shown that a kidney transplant has innumerable benefits over dialysis, which includes improving not only the quality but also the quantity of life. If you have kidney failure, a kidney replacement surgery can help you feel better and live longer. Commonly known as kidney transplant, it is one of the most effective treatments to avoid total kidney breakdown.