Veteran actor Satish Shah died at the age of 74 on October 25, 2025 due to kidney complications. In an interview with AyraNews24x7.com on October 26, his friend, actor Sachin Pilgaonkar, revealed that Satish had undergone a kidney transplant earlier this year because he ‘wanted to extend his life so that he can take care of his wife Madhu, who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Sachin said that Satish was on dialysis. Read this also ‘Look how healthy I am’: A few hours before his death, Satish Shah had talked to his onscreen wife Ratna Pathak, earlier he had boasted about his fitness.
kidney transplant vs dialysis
In an interview with HT Lifestyle in March 2025, Dr Sujith Reddy, senior consultant nephrologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, discussed the advantages and disadvantages of kidney transplantation and compared them with dialysis.
“Dialysis is a process that removes wastes, excess fluids and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so,” said the nephrologist. He also described two types of dialysis: hemodialysis (HD), in which the blood is filtered through a machine outside the body, and peritoneal dialysis (PD), in which the lining of the abdomen acts as a filter, with fluid exchanged manually or through a machine.
“Kidney transplantation involves replacing a failing kidney with a healthy kidney obtained from a living or deceased donor. This provides the best long-term outcome for most ESRD patients,” said Dr. Reddy.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of kidney transplant?
According to him, the advantages of kidney transplant are:
⦿ Better quality of life: No need for frequent dialysis sessions.
⦿ Longer survival: Transplant patients generally live longer than patients on dialysis.
⦿ Less dietary restrictions than dialysis.
⦿ More energy and fewer complications related to kidney failure.
According to Dr. Reddy, the disadvantages of kidney transplant include:
⦿ Not everyone is eligible: Requires good overall health and compatibility with the donor.
⦿ Lifelong immunosuppressants: These prevent rejection but may increase the risk of infection and other side effects.
⦿ Limited availability of organs: Many patients remain on waiting lists for years.
⦿ Surgical risks: This includes infection, bleeding, and possible rejection of the new kidney.
Dialysis vs Kidney Transplant: Which is Better?
Dialysis is generally considered safe in the short term, as it does not involve major surgery. However, for eligible patients, kidney transplantation is often the better long-term option, offering a better quality of life and longer survival.
Dr Sujith Reddy said, “For eligible patients, kidney transplantation is generally the best option as it offers a better quality of life and longer survival. However, dialysis is a necessary and effective option for those who are not candidates for transplantation.” Dr. Reddy further explained, “Selection depends on medical suitability, donor availability and patient preferences. Consulting a nephrologist can help determine the best approach for each individual.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
