Healthy kidneys filter 120 to 150 quarts of blood each day. When the kidneys fail, waste begins to build up in the blood, causing coma and possible death. A dialysis is a form of treatment for people whose kidneys are failing. In individuals with kidney failure, the kidneys are unable to filter blood properly, and as a result, waste products accumulate in the bloodstream. There are two types of Dialysis that work to remove these waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream.
Dialysis may be necessary when kidney disease progresses, and the kidneys can no longer remove wastes and excess fluid from the body. Kidney failure and other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and lupus have led to kidney disease in many people.
Kidney failure can occur over a long time or suddenly after an illness or injury. However, acute kidney failure is often short-term and may recover.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure is a severe condition in which a person’s kidneys are no longer working properly. People with ESRD may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Some people must undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant.
Role of Kidneys
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the rib cage on both sides of the spine. The kidneys’ primary function is to detach waste and extra water from the blood and excrete urine. Urine consists of waste and excess water flowing from the kidneys to the bladder. The kidneys also help regulate your blood pressure.
Types of Dialysis
There are two types of Dialysis
- Hemodialysis.
- Peritoneal Dialysis.
Haemodialysis
Hemodialysis is the most usual types of dialysis. During the procedure, a thin cannula is inserted into a vein in your arm and attached to a machine that filters your blood. The machine then returns your blood to your body through another cannula. Sometimes a surgeon makes a larger blood vessel by joining an artery to a vein under the skin using an incision. When blood vessels are not adequate for a fistula, doctors often insert a soft plastic graft to connect an artery and a vein under the skin.
For some treatments in hemodialysis, a narrow plastic tube (called a catheter) is inserted into a large vein in your neck. The catheter stays in place for as long as necessary.
Many people with kidney disease undergo hemodialysis three times per week, typically spending 4 hours at the dialysis center each time.
Risks and Complications
The AV fistula or graft carries certain risks, including infection, poor blood flow, and blockage from scar tissue or a blood clot.
The needle with which a hemodialysis machine draws your blood or the tubing connecting the machine to your arm detaches very rarely. A detection system alerts you or the medical staff during these rare instances. The machine automatically shuts off to protect you from blood loss as someone attaches the needle or tube.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis, a procedure that uses the peritoneum of a person’s abdomen as the membrane through which fluid and dissolved substances are exchanged with the blood, is used to remove excess fluid and correct electrolyte imbalance in people with kidney failure.
This form of dialysis is quite different from conventional hemodialysis, which relies on a machine for filtering. Before receiving the treatment, a cut (incision) is made in the abdomen near the belly button and a thin tube called a catheter is inserted through the incision and into the space inside your abdomen (the peritoneal cavity).
The dialysis fluid is left in the peritoneal cavity for a prescribed period. The blood passes through the tubing, leaving accumulated waste products and excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
To replace the used fluid, drain the used fluid from the reservoir bag into a container and fill the reservoir with fresh fluid. One should follow the procedure around four times a day.
Risks and Complications
Some people develop skin infections around the catheter site. In addition, you are at risk for peritonitis, an abdominal cavity infection, if bacteria enter through the catheter. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Using an abdominal catheter for long periods can weaken the abdominal muscles and cause a hernia. This condition occurs when an organ like the small intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles. one may feel a bulge near the belly button or in the groin area between the abdomen and upper thigh. Hernias can be repaired with surgery.
In peritoneal dialysis, patients absorb dextrose from the dialysis solution, leading to weight gain over time.
Symptoms of Kidney Diseases
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination at night
- Itchy Skin
- Erectile dysfunction
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in urine
- Protein in urine
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dehydration
Does dialysis replace the kidneys?
Dialysis maintains blood flow and fluid balance, and acts as a substitute for normal kidney function.
Dialysis patients must follow a special diet and take medicines several times daily.
Dialysis patients can generally continue to work, lead normal lives, and travel if treatment is available at the destination.
There is often reduced fertility in women who have CKD because of the body’s high level of waste products. Women who become pregnant while undergoing dialysis usually need increased dialysis during the pregnancy period. If a woman has a successful kidney transplant, she may regain normal fertility.
Dialysis Procedure at Amandeep Hospital
Dialysis can help people with kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) live longer and healthier. However, some prefer to receive treatment at home, while others prefer treatment in a hospital or dialysis center. Your healthcare provider can assist you in deciding which option is best for you based on your preferences and needs.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with kidney disease and is searching for the best nephrologists in Amritsar, visit Amandeep Hospital to discuss treatment options.