Comparing Dialysis & Transplants (WJEC GCSE Biology)

Comparing Dialysis & Transplants

• Kidney transplants are considered to be a long term solution to kidney failure, however, there are several disadvantages to kidney transplants, including:

  • Even with tissue typing, there will always be some immune response to the new kidney; this has to be suppressed by taking immunosuppressant drugs which can leave the patient vulnerable to infections

  • There are not enough donors to cope with demand, so dialysis keeps patients healthy while they wait for a suitable donor

    • The average person with kidney disease in the UK spends 2-3 years on the waiting list before being matched with an appropriate organ

• If a healthy, tissue-matched kidney is available then the benefits of a transplant include:

  • The patient has much more freedom as they are not tied to long dialysis sessions several times a week

    • Machines can also be difficult to access, meaning that patients often need to travel long distances for dialysis sessions

  • After a transplant, a patient's diet no longer needs to be restricted, as it is during dialysis

  • Long-term use of dialysis machines is very expensive, so a transplant removes this cost

  • A kidney transplant is a long-term solution whereas dialysis needs to be repeated frequently

  • Kidney donor schemes exist to help to match donors and recipients, increasing the chances of finding a successful match