Kidney dialysis is a medical treatment that helps remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so on their own. Dialysis can be done in two ways: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis is a process that uses a machine to filter the blood outside of the body. During hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body through a needle in the arm or leg. The blood then flows through a filter called a dialyzer, which removes waste products and excess fluids. The filtered blood is then returned to the body through another needle. Hemodialysis typically takes 3-4 hours and is done 3 times a week.
Peritoneal dialysis is a process that uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as a filter to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood. During peritoneal dialysis, a special solution called dialysate is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter. The dialysate circulates in the abdomen for a period of time, removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood. The dialysate is then drained from the abdomen and replaced with fresh dialysate. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home or in a clinic. It is typically done 4-6 times a day for 30-45 minutes each time.
Kidney dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure. It can help improve quality of life and prolong life expectancy. However, dialysis is not without its risks. Some of the potential risks of dialysis include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
Dialysis is a complex treatment that requires careful monitoring and regular follow-up with a doctor. If you are considering dialysis, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the treatment.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/
- United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS): https://unos.org/
- American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP): https://www.aakp.org/