According to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Clearinghouse there are about 400,000 people in the United States with kidney failure. The latest statistics available show that in 1998, there were more than 13,000 kidney transplants performed, though the number has grown considerably every year since then.

Kidney transplant allows patients with kidney failure to resume life without the need for dialysis, greatly improving the quality of life. Kidney transplant are not without their drawbacks; however, as transplant patients must remain on a regimen of medications to prevent rejection, some of which cause can cause serious side effects.

The following is an overview of the benefits, responsibilities and risks associated with kidney transplant:

Benefits of Transplantation:

1. Dialysis no longer required


2. Increase in energy and overall well-being


3. Return to an almost normal lifestyle


4. Increased independence (no longer depend on a machine)


5. Less or no restrictions of diet or fluid intake

Responsibilities with Transplantation:

1. Managing your transplanted kidney for the life of the kidney


2. Taking daily medications


3. Attending regular clinic visits


4. Having lab work, often frequently


5. Daily choices, such as avoiding situations that may endanger the transplanted kidney or yourself

Risks with Transplantation:

1. No guarantees


2. Medication side effects


3. Increased risk of infections


4. Rejection of transplanted kidney


5. Communicable diseases


6. Increased risk of malignancy

As you consider the benefits and risks, we encourage you to find out all the information you can and to discuss your treatment options with your primary physician and the staff at Sutter Transplant Services.

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