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What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for individuals with kidney failure, where the kidneys can no longer filter blood effectively.

Dialysis therapy is required in situations where a patient's kidneys can no longer perform their essential function of filtering blood effectively. Common conditions and scenarios leading to the need for dialysis include:

In what situations would a patient require dialysis therapy?

Dialysis is required when the kidneys cannot filter waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood effectively. Situations necessitating dialysis include:

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): When chronic kidney disease reaches stage 5 and kidney function drops below 15%, making dialysis essential to perform the kidneys' filtration role.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden kidney failure due to injury, infection, severe dehydration, or toxins may need temporary dialysis until recovery.
Severe Electrolyte Imbalances: Dangerous potassium, sodium, or acid levels that cannot be managed through medication alone.
Fluid Overload: When excess fluid leads to life-threatening complications like pulmonary edema or heart failure.

What are the functions and processes of the kidneys?

The kidneys filter blood, removing waste and excess fluids to form urine, maintaining water and electrolyte balance. They regulate blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system, control acid-base balance, and produce erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production. Additionally, the kidneys activate vitamin D for calcium absorption, essential for bone health, and manage potassium and sodium levels, vital for nerve and muscle function. These functions are critical for maintaining the body's internal environment and overall health.

Types of dialysis

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, each with distinct procedures and benefits.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis involves using a machine to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. A surgeon creates a vascular access, typically an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft, allowing blood to flow from the body to the dialysis machine. The blood passes through a dialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney, removing toxins and returning the cleaned blood to the body. Hemodialysis is usually performed in a clinic or hospital setting, requiring three sessions per week, each lasting about four hours. Some patients may opt for home hemodialysis, which can offer more flexibility in scheduling.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A catheter is surgically inserted into the abdominal cavity. Dialysis fluid is introduced through the catheter, absorbing waste products and excess fluids from the blood vessels in the peritoneal lining. There are two main types: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), where the fluid is manually exchanged several times a day, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), which uses a machine to perform exchanges overnight while the patient sleeps. Peritoneal dialysis offers more independence and can be performed at home, but it requires meticulous hygiene to prevent infections.

Both types of dialysis have their advantages and are chosen based on the patient's medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Dialysis procedure

Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys cannot function properly. It involves using a machine (hemodialysis) or a membrane in the abdomen (peritoneal dialysis) to filter the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance and overall health.

NephroPlus Dialysis Clinic in Bengaluru

Excel Care Hospital, 3/2, 27th Cross Rd, Banashankari Stage II, Banashankari, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560070

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions you may have.

What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical procedure that filters waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys fail to function properly.
How often is dialysis needed?
Hemodialysis typically requires three sessions per week, each lasting about four hours; peritoneal dialysis may be done daily.
What are the common side effects of dialysis?
Common side effects include fatigue, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, itching, and infections at the access site.
Can dialysis be done at home?
Yes, both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can be done at home with proper training and equipment.
How to choose the best dialysis center in Bangalore?
Consider factors like the center’s reputation, patient reviews, proximity, availability of experienced staff, hygiene standards, and additional support services.

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