Are there any other options besides transplanting a kidney?

Yes: Dialysis is the other option instead of kidney transplant.

Yes: Unfortunately, the other option is dialysis.

Renal Replacement Tx: If you suffer from ESRD (end-stage renal disease), you have a number of options which include dialysis and transplantation. There are two types of dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) and 90% of ESRD patients in the U.S. are on hemodialysis.

Dialysis: When the kidneys have failed entirely only dialysis and kidney transplantation are effective for treatment unless the kidneys recover function on their own or with treatment. There are several types of dialysis, but if a patient with irreversible kidney failure is a candidate for transplantation, that is almost always the best therapy for a longer lifespan and better quality of life.