When kidney function falls below about 10–15%, the body can no longer remove waste and extra fluid on its own. At this stage — end-stage kidney disease — a patient needs either dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Dialysis
Dialysis does the filtering work of the kidney artificially.
- Hemodialysis: blood is cleaned by a machine, usually 2–3 sessions a week of about 4 hours each, through a fistula or catheter.
- Peritoneal dialysis: done at home using the lining of the abdomen, daily.
Dialysis keeps patients alive and well, but requires regular visits, diet and fluid restriction.
Kidney transplant
A healthy kidney from a living related donor or a deceased donor is placed surgically. A successful transplant usually gives:
- Better quality of life and freedom from dialysis
- Fewer diet restrictions
- Better long-term survival for suitable patients
It needs lifelong medicines (immunosuppressants) and regular follow-up.
Which is right for you?
This depends on age, heart health, other illnesses, donor availability and personal preference. Every patient is different — discuss both options with your nephrologist early, before an emergency.
हिंदी सार: किडनी फेल होने पर डायलिसिस या किडनी प्रत्यारोपण — दोनों विकल्प हैं। आपके लिए कौन-सा बेहतर है, यह अपने किडनी विशेषज्ञ से समय पर सलाह लेकर तय करें।
