Why is live kidney donation better than dialysis?

A live kidney transplant is a better treatment option than dialysis for many people with kidney disease. 

If dialysis is done well, it can be very effective in treating kidney disease. However, a live kidney transplant will give the recipient a much more independent, active and usually longer life. 

About 19 out of 20 live kidney transplants are working well 1 year after the operation. About 10 out of 20 live kidney transplants will still be working well after 15 years.

The best time for most people with kidney disease to get a live kidney transplant is just before they start dialysis. 

This is called a pre-emptive transplant.

Without a kidney transplant, people on average only live for 4–5 years after they start dialysis, although some people can live for much longer.