Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Lupus Health Center

Tools & Resources

Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

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 medicines that have serious side effects.

  • If kidney disease from lupus does not respond to high-dose corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medicines, kidney dialysis or transplant are reasonable options.
  • For unknown reasons, overall lupus disease activity is often less severe during dialysis and after kidney transplant.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 07, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Next Article:

WebMD Special Sections