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Should my brother go in for a kidney transplant?

Dr Vijay Kher
Chairman,
Department of Nephrology and Kidney transplant Medicine,
Fortis Kidney and Urology Institute,
Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi

Q: My brother is 48 years old and suffering from renal failure. He has to undergo dialysis twice a week. Also his lungs are being filled with fluid which has to be taken out from time to time. He also suffers from T.B. Presently he went under LVF and was admitted in a hospital and was kept in the ICU. What is your opinion, should he continue dialysis or opt for a kidney transplant?

A:Kidney transplant is the best treatment modality for kidney failure more so in a person of your brothers age. Obviously one of his close relatives with blood group compatibility has to be willing to donate a kidney to him. Your brother also has tuberculosis and that needs to be treated for at least 6-8 weeks before a transplant is done. He will also need evaluation for suitability for kidney transplantation. Till a kidney transplant is done, he should continue dialysis.