Dialysis (Hemodialysis)

DIALYSIS

What is dialysis?

The kidneys filter your blood by doing away with waste and extra fluid from your body. This waste is moved to the bladder to be eradicated when you urinate.

Dialysis does the function of the kidneys if they’ve failed.

Dialysis is a therapy that filters and purifies the blood by using a machine. This helps maintain your fluids and electrolytes in stability when the kidneys can’t do their job.

Why is dialysis used?

Properly functioning kidneys stop more water, waste, and different impurities from gathering in your body. They as well assist control blood pressure and control the levels of chemical elements in the blood. These elements may as well encompass sodium and potassium.

Dialysis can help your kidneys function well. Without dialysis, salts and different waste product will gather in the blood, poison the body, and cause damage to your organ.

What are the different types of dialysis?          

There are three different types of dialysis.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common of dialysis. This approach makes use of a synthetic kidney (hemodialyzer) to get rid of waste and extra fluid from the blood. The blood is eliminated from the body and filtered through the synthetic kidney. The filtered blood is then taken back to the body with the assistance of a dialysis machine.

To get the blood to flow to the synthetic kidney, your doctor will carry out surgical operation to create an entrance point (vascular access) into your blood vessels. The three types of entrance points:

Arteriovenous (AV) fistula. This type joins an artery and a vein. It’s the choice option.

AV graft. This type is a looped tube.

Vascular access catheter. This may also be inserted into the massive vein in your neck.

People who acquire AV fistulas are healed and geared up to commence hemodialysis two to three months after their surgery. People who acquire AV grafts are ready in two to three weeks. Catheters are designed for non-permanent or transient use.

Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis includes surgical treatment to implant a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter into your abdomen. The catheter assist filter your blood through the peritoneum, a membrane in your abdomen. At the time of treatment, a special fluid known as dialysate flows into the peritoneum. The dialysate takes in waste. Once the dialysate extracts waste out of the bloodstream, it’s drained from your abdomen.

This method takes a few hours and has to be repeated four to six times per day. However, the change of fluids can be carried out while you are asleep or awake.

There are several types of peritoneal dialysis. The most important ones are:

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Continuous biking peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).

Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD).

Continuous renal alternative remedy (CRRT)     

This is used specifically in the intensive care unit for persons with acute kidney failure. It’s as well called hemofiltration. A device passes the blood through tubing. A filter then gets rid of waste products and water. The blood is taken back to the body, alongside with replacement fluid. This technique is carried out 12 to 24 hours a day, typically each day.

Are there any risk related with dialysis?

While all three types of dialysis can save your life, they also have some risks.

Risks related with hemodialysis

Hemodialysis risk include:

Low blood pressure

Anemia, or not having sufficient blood cells

Muscle cramping

Difficulty sleeping

Itching

High blood potassium levels

Sepsis

Bacteremia, or a bloodstream infection

Irregular heartbeat

Sudden cardiac death, the main reason for loss of life in people undergoing dialysis

Risks related with peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is related with a high risk for infections in or around the catheter area in the abdominal cavity. For instance, after catheter implantation, an individual may have peritonitis.

Other risk includes:

Abdominal muscle weakening

Sugar increase in the blood as a result of the dextrose in the dialysate

Weight gain

Hernia

Fever

Stomach pain

Risks related with CRRT

The dangers related with CRRT include:

Infection

Hypothermia

Low blood pressure

Electrolyte disturbances

Bleeding

Belayed renal recovery

Weakening of bones

Anaphylaxis

If you keep having these signs when you are on dialysis, inform the health care provider performing the treatment.

How do I prepare for dialysis?

Before your first dialysis treatment, your doctor will surgically implant a tube or machine to find his way to your bloodstream. This is usually a fast operation. You can return home the same day. You may be asked to stay without eating or drinking for some hours before the procedure.

What’s the long-term outlook for any individual who requires dialysis?

Not all kidney issues are permanent. Dialysis can briefly serve the as kidneys till your kidneys fix themselves and start to work on their well again. However, in severe kidney disease, the kidneys hardly get better. If you have this condition, you should go on dialysis completely or till a kidney transplant becomes an option. Lifestyle modifications are required as well. Your nephrologist (kidney doctor) ought to have a dietician on their group to assist in dietary choices.

Being steady with your dialysis will reduce your probabilities of requiring a kidney transplant.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.