Question

Answer the following question.

John has two options as a treatment for his renal problem: Dialysis or kidney transplants. Which option should he choose? Why?

Answer 1

1. If John has two options of dialysis and kidney transplant, readily available he must opt for kidney transplant.
2. A kidney transplant, if successful, can improve the quality of life of a patient and reduce the risk of death.
3. The patient would not have to endure frequent dialysis procedures. Repeated visits for dialysis takes time and may not allow the patient to perform normal activities or go to office regularly.
4. Dialysis is regarded as a holding measure until kidney transplant can be performed or a supportive measure in those for whom a transplant would be inappropriate. However, dialysis cannot replace all the functions of a normal kidney such as production of hormones like erythropoietin, calcitriol and renin. Hence, if John has an option of kidney transplant, he must opt for it.