What are the advantages and disadvantages of a kidney transplant over dialysis?
• No dialysis • Longer life span • Better quality of life • More freedom of time • Greater independence • Ability to return to work or school Disadvantages • Medication costs • Medication side effects and complications • Potential infection or malignancy • Surgical risks Back to top How to I determine if I am a candidate for a transplant? Who can get a transplant at St. Luke’s? Although there are many different factors as to why a patient is or is not eligible for a transplant, we currently do not transplant patients with the following occurrences: active malignancy, HIV positive, pregnancy. • To initiate the evaluation process, you must complete a referral form. You can do this by either calling and completing a referral by phone, or by submitting our online application Kidney Transplant Referral Data Sheet (PDF ). • All information on the application must be completed before the team can begin processing the referral. Your dialysis nurse or social worker may be able to assist you wit
