Dialysis: Types, How It Works, Procedure

Dialysis is a medical treatment that filters and purifies the blood of patients with kidney failure, removing excess waste and fluid from the body. It is usually performed using a machine and is done either at a dialysis center or at home.

Who needs kidney dialysis?

Kidney dialysis is needed for people with kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This occurs when the kidneys can no longer function properly, leading to the buildup of waste products and fluids in the blood. Kidney dialysis can help maintain a patient's health and prolong their life until a kidney transplant can be performed.

What are the types of dialysis?

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

1. Hemodialysis: This type of dialysis filters blood outside the body using a machine and a dialysis filter (dialyzer).
2. Peritoneal dialysis: This type of dialysis uses the patient's own peritoneum (tissue lining the abdominal cavity) as a filter to remove waste products from the blood. A cleaning solution is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter, and waste products are drawn out into the solution, which is then drained and replaced.

Procedure details of dialysis

The details of dialysis procedures vary depending on the type of dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and the individual patient's needs. However, here is a general overview of the procedure for each type:

Hemodialysis:

1. The patient's blood is accessed through a fistula (created surgically by connecting an artery and vein in the arm), a graft (a plastic tube connecting an artery and vein), or a catheter (a tube inserted into a vein).
2. The blood is then pumped through a dialysis machine and a dialysis filter (dialyzer), which removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
3. The cleaned blood is returned to the patient's body through the same access point.
4. The entire process typically takes three to four hours, and is typically performed three times a week.

Peritoneal dialysis:

1. A small catheter is surgically inserted into the patient's abdominal cavity to allow access to the peritoneum.
2. A cleaning solution is introduced into the abdomen through the catheter, and waste products are drawn out of the blood and into the solution.
3. The used solution is then drained out and replaced with fresh solution.
4. This process can be performed at home on a daily basis, usually for a period of several hours.
5. In both cases, it is important to strictly follow a prescribed diet and fluid intake regimen and to manage any underlying health conditions in order to maintain optimal health.
6. Before each dialysis treatment, it is also important to check vital signs and monitor for any adverse reactions or complications.

What happens after dialysis?

After dialysis, patients typically rest and are monitored for any adverse reactions or complications. They may also need to drink fluids to replace what was lost during the treatment and take medications to regulate electrolyte levels, control blood pressure, and manage other related health conditions.

Patients undergoing hemodialysis typically have their treatment three times a week for three to four hours each time. Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home on a daily basis, but regular medical check-ups and monitoring are still necessary.

For both types of dialysis, it is important for patients to follow a strict diet and fluid intake regimen and to manage any other underlying health conditions in order to maintain their health and prolong their lifespan. In some cases, a kidney transplant may eventually become an option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dialysis is a medical treatment used to filter and purify the blood of patients with kidney failure. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The procedure details for each type vary, but both involve filtering the blood to remove excess waste and fluid and to maintain the patient's health and prolong their life. It is important for patients to follow a strict diet, fluid intake regimen, and to manage any underlying health conditions in order to maintain optimal health and to have regular medical check-ups and monitoring.