When a person’s kidneys fail, there are two forms of treatment available: dialysis and transplant.

While dialysis replaces some of the functions done by healthy kidneys, a successful kidney transplant offers people suffering from kidney failure a much better quality of life, considerably greater freedom, increased energy levels and a less restricted diet.

“Studies show that people who receive kidney transplants live longer than those who remain on dialysis,” says Radi Zaki, MD, Co-Chairman of the Department of Transplantation, Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, at Einstein Healthcare Network.

Of course, waiting for a kidney transplant isn’t as simple as scheduling a surgery.

There are currently more than 100,000 people waiting for lifesaving kidney transplants in the United States, with someone added to the list every 14 minutes and an average wait time for a kidney transplant around three and a half years.

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