There is a rising incidence of chronic kidney disease that is likely to pose major problems for both healthcare and the economy in future years. Data collated by National Kidney Foundation of India found that nearly 7.85 million Indians suffered from chronic kidney disease, but only 22.5 per cent could avail dialysis facility.
Kidney disease and transplantation
Dialysis and kidney transplantation are treatments for severe renal failure, stage 5 chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. There are two types of dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. When the kidneys are no longer working effectively, waste products and fluid build up in the blood.
Dialysis takes over a portion of the function of the failing kidneys to remove the fluid and waste. Kidney transplantation can completely take over the function of the failing kidneys.
NORMALLY, THE IMMUNE SYSTEM HELPS PEOPLE STAY HEALTHY BY ATTACKING OBJECTS IN THE BODY THAT COME IN FROM THE OUTSIDE.
ANTI-REJECTION MEDICINES HELP KEEP THE BODY FROM ATTACKING THE NEW KIDNEY.
What are the choices for renal replacement therapy?
- Kidney transplant -A kidney transplant is surgery in which a doctor puts a healthy kidney in a person whose kidneys are diseased. The healthy new kidney can then do the job of the diseased kidneys. (People need only one kidney to live). A new kidney can come from a living donor (usually a family member) or a dead donor. After a kidney transplant, patients need to take medicines for the rest of their life to keep their body from reacting badly to the new kidney.
- Peritoneal dialysis -Peritoneal dialysis is a procedure that people do at home every day. It involves piping a special fluid into the belly. This fluid collects waste and excess salt and water from the blood.
- Haemodialysis – Haemodialysis is a procedure in which a dialysis machine takes over the job of the kidneys. The machine pumps blood out of the body, filters it. and returns it to the body.
- Kidney transplantation – It is considered the treatment of choice for many people with severe chronic kidney disease because quality of life and survival are often better than in people who use dialysis, especially for many people with end-stage renal disease. In addition, people who undergo kidney transplantation do not require hours of daily dialysis treatment. Normally, the infection-fighting system helps people stay healthy by attacking objects in the body that come in from the outside. Anti-rejection medicines help keep the body from attacking the new kidney.
Kidney Transplantation at PSRI
The Department of Nephrology, along with Department of Urology, at PSRI provides kidney transplantation for patients suffering from end stage didney disease.
In case of any coexisting conditions, pateints are treated appropriately before consideration for kidney transplantation. PSRI Institute of Kidney and Urology is a unique resource for those with the diseases of the kidneys. As the major tertiary care centre, our goal is to deliver the highest level patient care. We are proud to offer some of the region’s finest experts covering every major urology and nephrology specialty. •
DR SANJIV SAXENA Head -Department of Nephrology, PSRI Hospital
DR RAJESH GOEL – Consultant of Nephrology, PSRI Hospital