Dialysis vs. Kidney Transplant

Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology | March 25, 2025

A person suffering from kidney failure faces a significant challenge in leading a normal life. Their kidneys lose the ability to function on their own, which means the body becomes unable to filter out the excessive fluids, waste, and toxins. This poses serious life-threatening consequences, making medical intervention to help the body eliminate all waste. The choice narrows down between dialysis and kidney transplant, but it often leaves patients confused about which to opt for. Let’s try to understand these in depth to enable informed decision-making.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is one of the two treatment options used for patients suffering from kidney failure. This procedure is performed in one of two key ways: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The process works by removing waste as well as toxins from the bloodstream. This treatment is mostly recommended and started when a person is suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This treatment is aimed at managing the condition artificially, and those who choose this treatment have to undergo the treatment throughout their life.

What is Haemodialysis?

Haemodialysis is one type of dialysis treatment, in which a machine is used for conducting the procedure. The dialysis machine used for this procedure helps in filtering the blood and eliminating toxins and fluids from the bloodstream. In this process a dialyzer, which is an artificial kidney, is used, and the process is performed outside the body.

The basic function includes drawing out blood from the body into the dialyzer and passing it through to filter out waste and excessive fluids. The blood, which is cleaned by this process, is then sent back to the body.

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, is a treatment process that can be conducted in the patient’s home as well. This dialysis process involves the utilization of the peritoneal membrane, which is found in the abdomen of the patient. This acts as a filter, used for removing waste, fluids, and toxins from the blood. As opposed to haemodialysis, this is a less invasive process and more convenient for the patient.

To perform this treatment, a catheter is inserted into the patient’s abdominal cavity through a surgical procedure. After insertion, the specialized solution, known as the dialysis fluid, is inserted into the abdomen, which carries out the waste and toxins from the body. Once completed, the fluid is extracted out from the body and is replaced with a fresh solution.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

Kidney transplant is another way of treating kidney failure. As opposed to dialysis, this is a more long-term solution, which does not require the patient to undergo treatment regularly. A kidney transplant involves replacing one of the kidneys of the patient that has failed with a healthy kidney that is donated by a donor. The transplantation process thus allows the patient to regain kidney function without the need for ongoing treatment.

By choosing this treatment, patients can regain kidney function effectively and go back to living a normal life. However, this treatment can be conducted if the kidney is donated by a living individual, who is a family member or friend. Moreover, in order to get a kidney transplant, it is essential that the patient be eligible to undergo such a highly invasive surgical procedure.

Which is the better treatment approach?

The suitability of the treatment depends upon individual case requirements. For some individuals, dialysis may be the better option, whereas for others, kidney replacement can be the better treatment choice.

There are a number of factors that must be considered by the patient before choosing which is the right option for them. Some things you may want to research to make an informed decision can include the following:

1. Can you live longer on dialysis or with a kidney transplant?

As per several studies, the life expectancy of a patient increases by 5 to 10 years if they undergo dialysis. On the other hand, a patient’s life expectancy increases by 15 to 20 years if they undergo a kidney transplant procedure.

2. Which is cheaper, a kidney transplant or dialysis?

With dialysis, the patient has to pay a sum regularly, which can easily accumulate to anything between 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs per year. However, the costs can be higher as well depending upon the city, the kind of dialysis, and other factors.

A kidney transplant costs high upfront, going up to anywhere between 4 lakhs and 10 lakhs. Post-surgery as well, the patient may need to spend between 10,000 and 30,000 a month on medication.

3. How long do dialysis patients live?

Although the general life expectancy of dialysis patients is typically between 5 years and 10 years, with proper care patients can live for multiple decades.

4. Can you live with one kidney?

Yes, it is possible to live with one kidney without compromising on how you live life. A donor must know that donating the kidney will not affect their life as such.

If you are experiencing kidney failure and are looking for the right place to get treated, connect with us at AINU. Our experienced and empathic team of doctors strives to give a transparent diagnosis and suggest the most suitable treatment path to achieve the best results. We strive to help you relive your life as best as possible, and for that, we provide comprehensive consulting, diagnostic, and treatment services to our patients. To get your kidney disorder or failure treated by dedicated medical professionals, reach out today.

Conclusion

Dialysis and kidney transplant procedures are ways to help a patient whose kidneys have failed. Through these procedures, the excessive fluids, toxins, and waste from the patient’s bloodstream and body are eliminated, preventing them from suffering life-threatening levels of toxins in the body. Both of these methods strive to achieve the same; however, transplant is a more permanent resolution than dialysis, which needs to be performed two to three times a week minimum. Choosing which is the right option can be challenging for a patient, necessitating awareness about both.