Question

advantages and disadvantages of treating kidney failure by dialysis

Answer 1

AdvantagesDisadvantagesMinimal participation in the treatment (staff performs dialysis at centre)No external access requiredNo equipment/supplies or home supports requiredPatients are required to adhere to specific schedulesPatients must travel to the dialysis centreStrict diet control and fluid controlComplications may arise e.g. low BP, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, cramps, nausea and vomitingAccess can become infected or develop blood clots

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) – a PD catheter (a soft plastic tube) is inserted into the patient’s body around their abdomen, with a part of the tube staying outside of the body. Dialysis fluid moves in and out of the body through this catheter to clean the patient’s blood.

AdvantagesDisadvantagesMore flexible scheduling – the exact timing of the procedure can be alteredPD can be performed at homeLess strict diet and fluid control than haemodialysisNo daytime exchange (daytime dwell) if patient chooses to have dialysis at nightInfection – the PD catheter is a potential site for the entry of bacteria into the bodyRequires someone be trained in the use of equipment at homeIncreased risk of hernia (weakening of abdominal muscles)Permanent external catheter – changes to body imagePossible weight gain due to glucose absorption from dialysis fluid

Kidney Transplant

A patient with kidney failure receives a new kidney from a living or deceased donor. When a donor kidney becomes available a patient is chosen with the best blood and tissue match. However, lifelong treatment with immunosuppressant drugs will be required if the kidney donor is not related. Receiving a kidney from an identical twin or a close relation provides the best possibility for the kidney to not be rejected.

AdvantagesDisadvantagesQuality of life and survival often improved compared to the use of dialysisPatients are free of the time- and energy-consuming nature of dialysisRegular dietary requirementFewer visits to the clinicShortage of kidney organs available – the average wait for a deceased donor kidney about 4 yearsRisks associated with surgical procedure e.g. infection, bleeding, damage to other organsLifetime treatment regimen of immunosuppressive medications, with possible side effectsPatient must satisfy a number of factors to be a possible transplant candidateRisk of transplant rejection