Dialysis and Kidney Transplant
Urine and blood purification does not happen when a person has kidney failure. For this reason, the harmful substance and urine formed in the body must be removed. Machines are used for this to happen. This process is called dialysis.
Kidney transplant is a dream that every dialysis patient hopes one day will come true. When kidney failure enters its final stage, treatment will be required to replace the sick kidney with a healthy kidney. Kidney transplant produces a complete well-being in kidney functions compared to dialysis treatment. In order for kidney transplantation to be performed, it is necessary to take kidney from living or dead. Results from a living donor are always better in kidney transplants. If there are living donor candidates for kidney transplant surgery, the donor candidates are examined separately before surgery. Details such as diabetes, hypertension and infection are examined in the donor candidate. Tissue compatibility between the recipient and the donor is evaluated and compared in terms of immunology.
What Are Both Positive and Negative Aspects of Dialysis?
Dialysis is indispensable for kidney failure patients until kidney transplant surgery. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of dialysis together.
Advantages of Dialysis
- The burden of self-care of patients has been reduced as the treatment is carried out by trained nurses and technicians. Hemodialysis is more comfortable and less stressful than peritoneal dialysis for some patients.
- Hemodialysis is faster and more efficient as it is taken into account per unit of time.
- Hemodialysis centers provide the opportunity to meet and communicate with other patients who share the same problem. This can prevent them from getting depressed.
- Hemodialysis is generally done 3 days a week for four hours. Therefore, patients can enjoy their free time between treatments.
- They are protected from peritonitis risk and exit site infections.
Disadvantages of Dialysis
- Waste of time for regular visits if the center is far from home
- Due to the regular schedule, the patient should plan his/her life according to the schedule.
- Needle entry and holes can cause pain.
- Attention should be paid to reducing fluid, salt, potassium and phosphorus intake in the diet.
- There is a risk of being infected with transmitted diseases such as Hepatitis B and C.
Can Organ Transplantation Be Performed To Everyone?
Organ transplant, especially kidney transplant, can be performed to anyone. Organ transplantation is not performed only for those with heart disease and who are cancer patients that cannot bear the risk of surgery. Transplantation cannot be made to HIV-positive people, patients with active infections. In addition, it is not suitable for those with severe psychological disorders. It should not be forgotten that there is always a recepient waiting for any organ.
