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Transplantation
Home » Patients » My therapy options » KIDNEY TRANSPLATATION: THE SOLUTION CLOSEST TO NATURAL KIDNEY FUNCTION
Kidney transplantation is considered the treatment of choice for end-stage chronic kidney disease. It allows patients to regainnear-normal kidney function by replacing a failing kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor.21 This surgical procedure significantly improves quality of life and reduces dependence on other replacement therapies, such as dialysis.
Benefits of kidney transplantation21 :
- Significant improvement in quality of life: The transplant allows for a more active daily life, with fewer medical constraints.
- More freedom and independence: Unlike dialysis, which requires regular sessions, the transplant allows for a more flexible lifestyle.
- Better life expectancy: Studies show that transplant patients have a longer lifespan compared to those on dialysis.
- Fewer dietary restrictions: Transplant patients have a more varied diet compared to the restrictions imposed by dialysis.
- Reduced cardiovascular complications:Restored kidney function reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are common in patients undergoing conventional dialysis.
Drawbacks and limits21 :
- Wait time for a transplant: Access to a transplant depends on the availability of a compatible donor, which may require several years of waiting.
- Lifelong immunosuppressive treatment: To prevent organ rejection, the patient must take immunosuppressive medications daily, which increases the risk of infections and side effects.
- Risk of complications: Although transplantation is an effective solution, there are risks, including graft rejection, infections, and side effects from post-transplant treatments.
- Post-transplant procedure and follow-up
Procédure et suivi post-greffe
Before the transplant, a compatibility assessment is conducted to minimize the risk of rejection. Once the organ is transplanted, post-transplant follow-up is essential: regular consultations and blood tests are needed to monitor the proper functioning of the graft and adjust immunosuppressive treatments.21,23
A decision to discuss with your nephrologist
While kidney transplantation is considered the best treatment option for end-stage kidney disease, each patient should discuss with their medical team to assess the feasibility and benefits of this solution in relation to their personal situation.
The decision should be made taking into account the patient's health condition, lifestyle, and existing alternatives such as home dialysis.
