Alternative to Kidney Dialysis

When the kidneys are unable to function properly, dialysis may be implemented. Dialysis involves the use of a machine to perform some of the functions of the kidney, such as clearing the blood of waste and excess fluid, controlling blood pressure and restoring and maintaining the levels of electrolytes in your body. Although effective, sometimes an alternative is preferred to the expense and pain associated with the procedure. Unfortunately, the only alternative to kidney dialysis is a kidney transplant.

Background

• The primary reason for undergoing kidney dialysis is failure of the kidneys, which leads to end-stage renal failure (ESRF). This can be brought about through a number of causes, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Early stages of kidney failure presents with few symptoms, and signs of failure may not appear until the kidney is working at less than twenty-five percent capacity. ESRF occurs when the kidneys function at less than fifteen percent capacity. When symptoms do occur, they typically include flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and nausea, muscle cramps, diminished urine output and appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), anemia, dark urine and sleeping difficulties, among others. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your physician immediately.

Surgery

• The only effective alternative to dialysis is a kidney transplant, which is the preferred method of treatment when you're otherwise a healthy individual. A successful transplant is dependent on a number of factors, including the same blood type, antibodies and cell-surface proteins. Given the relative lack of available kidneys for transplant, the closest possible match aligned with those criteria are typically sought. A close match and suitable donor kidney typically comes from a sibling, though if you have no siblings, another close blood relative may prove to be a suitable match. In the event that a living donor is unavailable, the kidney from a cadaver, provided its a suitable match, may be used.

  The transplant surgery generally lasts about 3 hours. If your current kidneys are not the direct source of high blood pressure, they will not be removed, and the new kidney will be placed in the abdomen. Once there, it will be hooked up to blood vessels found in the lower part of the abdomen and the ureter, which is the tube that connects the bladder and the kidney, will be surgically connected to the bladder. The time spent recovering is approximately 3 to 5 days, with additional monitoring for the next several weeks. The kidney typically begins producing urine immediately, though this may take upwards of a few weeks.

After Surgery

• After surgery there is always the risk of your body, specifically the immune system, rejecting the new organ. To prevent this from happening, your doctor will prescribe immuno-suppressants, which will need to be taken for the remainder of your life. As a result of the newly weakened immune system, you become highly susceptible to other conditions. Your doctor may then prescribe a series of antibiotics or antiviral medications to prevent this from happening. Possible side effects of immuno-suppressants include weight gain, hirsutism (excessive facial hair growth) and stomach issues. Finally, you'll also need to follow a restrictive diet involving the limitation of your salt intake and counting calories.