What are the positives and negatives of kidney transplantation?

Well, : Transplantation has many advantages. It eliminates the need for dialysis and helps patients enjoy a life filled with more freedom, energy and productivity. Transplantation can also have some disadvantages. You will need to take medications every day and these drugs may have side effects. You may also reject your new kidney or develop an infection.

Longer life span: Not everyone qualifies to have a kidney transplant. For those who do, a txp offers a better chance at long life expectancy than dialysis does as well as a better quality of life. However, the risks (disadvantages) are real too and include the operation itself, problems with the donated kidney and the risks (infections, cancers, high cost) of the anti-rejection medications.

Risks & Benefits: Most patients will enjoy a better quality of life and longer life span with kidney transplant compared to remaining on dialysis. One needs to realize that the need for anti-rejection medications will increase the risk of opportunistic infections and certain types of cancers. Not everyone will be a candidate for kidney transplants (e.g. pateints with active infections or cancers)