Kidney Transplants

Kidney failure is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. There are two treatment options for kidney failure – dialysis or transplant.

Many people feel that a kidney transplant – in which you receive a healthy kidney to do the work your own kidneys can no longer do – offers more freedom and a better quality of life than dialysis.

If you are considering a kidney transplant, visit the physicians at Commonwealth Nephrology Associates for expert guidance. As kidney specialists, they will evaluate your condition and determine whether a kidney transplant is your best option.

Benefits and Risks of a Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant is a serious procedure, and you must consider the risks as well as the benefits. One of the benefits is that there are fewer limits on what you can eat and drink, although you should maintain a heart-healthy diet. As long as you do, your health and energy should improve.

For many people, a successful kidney transplant may allow you to enjoy the kind of life you were living before you got kidney disease. Also, studies indicate that people with kidney transplants live longer than those who remain on dialysis.

On the other hand, one of the risks of having a kidney transplant is that you will need to take anti-rejection medicines, which can have side effects, for as long as your new kidney is working. You will also have a higher risk for infections and certain types of cancer.

Although most transplants are successful and last for many years, their longevity can vary from one person to the next. And many people who have a kidney transplant often need another during their lifetime.

Types of Kidney Transplants

There are two types of kidney transplants. A preemptive transplant is performed before you need to start dialysis, which allows you to avoid dialysis altogether. An early transplant is performed not long after kidneys fail, but after you spend some time on dialysis. Research shows that a preemptive or early transplant, with little or no time spent on dialysis, can lead to better long-term health.

To be eligible for a kidney transplant, you must be healthy enough for the operation and free from cancer and infection. Our nephrologists will perform a full medical evaluation and referral to a transplant center if you are a good candidate for transplant. If you have any other health problems, they will need to be treated before you can proceed with the transplant.

If you have kidney failure and you’d like to learn more about kidney transplants or find out if you’re a candidate, call (617) 739-2100 for an appointment with one of our kidney specialists at Commonwealth Nephrology Associates. They see patients in Norfolk, Natick, Marlborough, South Weymouth, Dorchester, Norwood, and Attleboro, Massachusetts. You can also Request an Appointment online.