Post by : Saif Rahman

Beloved actor Satish Shah, famous for his iconic roles in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 74. Friend and actor Sachin Pilgaonkar shared that Shah had undergone a kidney transplant earlier this year, seeking to extend his life to support his wife Madhu, who is facing Alzheimer's disease.

Having been on dialysis prior to the transplant, Shah's death has reignited discussions around kidney health and the two primary treatment paths: dialysis and kidney transplants.

To clarify these medical options, Dr. Sujeeth Reddy, a senior consultant nephrologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Hyderabad, offered valuable insights in an interview conducted earlier in the year.

Understanding Dialysis

Dr. Reddy defined dialysis as a medical procedure that assists when kidneys can no longer effectively filter blood. It helps eliminate waste, excess fluids, and toxins.

The Two Main Dialysis Types:

1. Hemodialysis (HD): This method extracts blood from the body, purifies it with a specialized machine, and reinjects it.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): This approach utilizes the abdominal lining as a natural filter, with fluid exchanges carried out manually or machine-assisted.

While dialysis is indeed life-saving, it requires frequent visits — often several times weekly — leading to disruptions in daily life.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant entails replacing a dysfunctional kidney with a healthy one from another person, who may be a living or deceased donor.

According to Dr. Reddy, “A kidney transplant yields the most favorable long-term prospects for many patients with kidney failure, allowing them to enjoy longer, healthier lives.”

Advantages of Kidney Transplants

Dr. Reddy outlines that the benefits of kidney transplants include:

- Enhanced quality of life: Patients are no longer tied to regular dialysis appointments.

- Increased life expectancy: Transplantees often enjoy longer lifespans compared to those who depend on dialysis.

- Fewer dietary restrictions: Those who have received a transplant can usually enjoy a wider variety of foods.

- More vitality: Patients often feel stronger and healthier post-recovery.

Drawbacks of Kidney Transplants

Dr. Reddy cautioned that transplants are not suitable for everyone and carry certain risks:

- Eligibility concerns: Only individuals who are medically prepared and have a compatible donor are eligible for a transplant.

- Ongoing medications: Recipients must maintain lifelong medication to prevent rejection, which can pose infection risks.

- Organ scarcity: The shortage of available donors means many individuals wait for years for a transplant.

- Surgery-related risks: Like any major procedure, potential risks include infections, bleeding, or organ rejection.

Dialysis vs. Transplant: What’s Better?

Dr. Reddy conveyed that both treatments enable extended life spans, but decisions depend on individual health profiles, donor factors, and personal choice.

“Dialysis can be a safer option short-term due to the absence of surgery, but in the longer term, transplants may provide a superior quality of life and improved survival rates for those who are eligible,” he explained.

For certain patients, dialysis remains the sole treatment option if they are unfit for surgical procedures. For others, a transplant serves as a fresh start. Medical professionals assess the best course based on individual health backgrounds and requirements.

Consulting Medical Experts is Key

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of seeking the guidance of a qualified nephrologist when faced with kidney issues. Managing kidney disease effectively requires regular medical checkups, dietary management, and medication adherence.

#Wellness