When kidneys fail, two options sustain life: dialysis or kidney transplant. Both are effective, but they differ dramatically in quality of life, cost over time, and long-term outcomes. This guide helps you understand which path may be right for you.

Understanding Dialysis

Haemodialysis filters blood through a machine, typically 3 times per week for 4 hours each session. Peritoneal dialysis uses the abdominal lining as a filter, performed daily at home. Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment but does not restore kidney function. It replaces only about 10 to 15% of normal kidney function.

Why Transplant Is Preferred

A successful kidney transplant restores near-normal kidney function, eliminates the dialysis schedule (giving back 12+ hours per week), offers significantly better quality of life, provides longer survival (transplant recipients live 10 to 15 years longer on average than dialysis patients), and is more cost-effective over 5+ years despite higher upfront cost.

When Dialysis Is the Better Option

Dialysis may be preferred when no suitable donor is available, when the patient has conditions that make surgery risky (severe heart disease, active cancer, uncontrolled infections), or as a bridge while waiting for a cadaveric kidney from NOTTO.

Health1 Advantage

Health1 offers both dialysis and transplant under one roof. Our nephrology team evaluates every dialysis patient for transplant eligibility. When a transplant is possible, our transplant programme with a dedicated 5-bed transplant ICU provides seamless transition from dialysis to transplant care.

Nephrology consultation: 079-6999-6999