Dialysis

Overview

Dialysis is a medical treatment that performs the job of the kidneys when they are no longer able to function properly. It helps remove waste, extra fluid, and salt from the blood, ensuring the balance of essential minerals. People with kidney failure, whether due to injury or disease may need dialysis to stay healthy.

Why Dialysis is Required?

• Kidney Failure: When kidneys stop functioning properly they can not filter waste and excess fluids.
• Waste Build Up: Dialysis helps remove toxins and waste products from the blood that the kidneys can no longer eliminate.
• Fluid Balance: Dialysis ensures that excess fluid and salt are removed preventing dangerous buildup in the body.
• Maintains Health: It helps regulate important minerals like potassium, calcium and sodium which are critical for heart and muscle function.
• Saves Lives: Without dialysis kidney failure can lead to life threatening complications.

Key Advantages of Dialysis

• Restores Kidney Function: Dialysis helps perform the essential function of the kidneys when they can no longer do it themselves.
• Fluid & Waste Management: It effectively manages waste products, salts and fluid buildup which could otherwise cause harm.
• Improves Quality of Life: For individuals with kidney failure dialysis enables a better quality of life and better management of symptoms.
• Prevents Serious Complications: Dialysis helps prevent life threatening issues such as heart problems caused by fluid retention.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Dialysis Treatment?

Before starting dialysis, it is important to:

• Consult Your Doctor: Understand the type of dialysis you will undergo, whether it is hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
• Fistula for Dialysis: Discuss getting a fistula for dialysis which is a special access point for blood circulation during hemodialysis.
• Diet & Fluid Restrictions: Your doctor may suggest a restricted diet to manage fluid and waste buildup.
• Choose a Dialysis Center: Find a center that provides treatments such as Davita Dialysis.

How Dialysis is Performed?

Dialysis is done in two primary forms:

• Hemodialysis: Blood is drawn out filtered through a dialysis machine and returned to your body. This is typically done in a hospital or clinic.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: A catheter is placed in your abdomen to introduce a dialysis solution that absorbs waste from the blood vessels inside your abdomen. It is usually done at home.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After the Procedure?

• Before Procedure: Doctor will place a dialysis catheter or create a dialysis port for hemodialysis or insert a peritoneal dialysis catheter for peritoneal dialysis.
• During Procedure: Expect to feel relaxed though some discomfort is possible. For hemodialysis blood will flow out and be filtered through a machine. For peritoneal dialysis the solution will fill your abdomen and absorb waste.
• After Procedure: You might feel tired but the treatment will relieve any symptoms related to kidney failure. Some may experience lightheadedness or cramping which should pass soon.

Risk and Potential Complications:

• Infection: A risk of infection is associated with the dialysis catheter or peritoneal dialysis catheter.
• Low Blood Pressure: Especially during hemodialysis it can lead to dizziness or fainting.
• Blood Clots or Blockages: There is a potential for blockages in the dialysis tubing or fistula.
• Dialysis Side Effects: Nausea, headaches and muscle cramps can occur though they are generally manageable.

Results/Outcomes:

Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis: Both treatments effectively filter waste and excess fluid but the choice between hemodialysis vs peritoneal dialysis depends on your health and lifestyle. Peritoneal dialysis offers more flexibility but hemodialysis might be necessary for more severe cases of kidney failure.

Dialysis will help manage symptoms and improve quality of life but it does not cure kidney disease.