| Theme | Dialysis Re-initiation and Related Cares after Functional Loss of Transplanted Kidney | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Alternative treatment options after kidney graft loss | |
| Publish Date | 2006/09 | |
| Author | Kota Takahashi | Division of Urology, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University |
| [ Summary ] | There are two treatment modalities available for end-stage renal failure ; dialysis and renal transplantation. The latter is a radical therapy with a very high QOL. When the transplanted kidney malfunctions and uremic levels rise, the patient eventually must choose a treatment option. Therefore, it is important for them to discuss those choices with the physician beforehand. It is a major decision for a patient to select an alternative treatment. However, to postpone the decision and leave the uremia as is because of fear of the two alternatives, may lead to a poor prognosis. The ideal treatment is provided when the patient can select the desired option by having a clear explanation provided by the physician, keeping in mind both the advantages and disadvantages of those methods. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for patients to have the desired treatment in Japan, due to various complications or the limited numbers of donor kidneys available. In this paper, we also considered how to select subsequent alternative treatment after the loss of renal function by the transplanted kidney. |
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