Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): Surgery
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Surgery
Surgery is not used to treat mild or moderate symptoms of lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). Surgery may be considered for people with lupus who have permanent, life-threatening kidney damage. A kidney transplant or kidney dialysis may be done instead of continuing long-term treatment with high doses of medications that have serious side effects.
- If kidney disease from lupus does not respond to high-dose corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications, kidney dialysis or transplant are reasonable options.
- For unknown reasons, overall lupus disease activity is often less severe during dialysis and after kidney transplant.
| Last updated: | May 13, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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