Kidney Treatment Choices

There are different treatment options to treat end-stage renal disease which include:

Dialysis

• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
• Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD)
• Hemodialysis

Transplantation

Anyone who has kidney failure can be evaluated for transplant. However, transplant may not be a good choice for everybody. There are advantages and disadvantages to having a transplant.

Advantages:

• You will not need dialysis after the new kidney starts working!
• There will be fewer diet restrictions and no fluid restrictions.
• You will be able enjoy a more active life with work, school, or travel.
• You may be able to have children after transplant.

Disadvantages:

• After transplant you will see the transplant physician in clinic and have your blood drawn on a regular basis between one to three times per week. Physician follow up with your nephrologist/kidney doctor will continue for as long as you have the new transplanted organ. The frequency will lessen.
• You will have to take immunosuppressant medicines every day as long as the organ is working.
• There may be long-term side effects of the immunosuppressant medicines, including infections or cancers.