NephroPlus | India's largest network of dialysis centres

Best Dialysis Center
in Chennai

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a critical medical procedure used when kidneys fail to adequately filter blood. It functions as a substitute for natural kidney function, removing waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the bloodstream.

In what situations would a patient require dialysis therapy?

Dialysis therapy is required in situations where kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood. Key scenarios include:

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): When chronic kidney disease (CKD) advances to stage 5, with kidney function below 15%, dialysis becomes essential for filtering blood.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden kidney failure due to trauma, severe infection, or toxins might need temporary dialysis until recovery occurs.
Severe Electrolyte Imbalances: Critical levels of potassium, sodium, or acids that can't be managed with other treatments necessitate dialysis.
Fluid Overload: When excess fluid causes severe complications like pulmonary edema or heart failure.
Uremia: High levels of waste in the blood causing symptoms like nausea, confusion, or fatigue that require urgent dialysis intervention.

What are the functions and processes of the kidneys?

The kidneys perform essential functions: filtering blood to remove waste products and excess substances, regulating electrolytes and fluid balance, producing hormones (like erythropoietin for red blood cell production and renin for blood pressure regulation), and maintaining acid-base balance. Processes include filtration, reabsorption of useful substances, and secretion of waste into urine.

Types of dialysis

There are two primary types of dialysis

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis involves filtering blood outside the body through a machine called a dialyzer, which removes waste products and excess fluids before returning the cleansed blood to the body. It typically requires access to a large vein, often created surgically (arteriovenous fistula or graft).

Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, uses the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) as a natural filter. A cleansing fluid (dialysate) is introduced into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter. Waste products and excess fluids pass from the blood vessels in the peritoneum into the dialysate, which is then drained out after a period of dwell time.

Each type has variations—hemodialysis can be performed in-center or at home (home hemodialysis), while peritoneal dialysis includes continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), differing in the method and frequency of exchanges. The choice between these methods depends on medical suitability, patient preference, and lifestyle factors.

Dialysis procedure

During hemodialysis, blood is pumped from the body into a dialysis machine, where it passes through a special filter (dialyzer) to remove waste and excess fluid. The cleaned blood returns to the body. Peritoneal dialysis involves introducing dialysis fluid into the abdomen, allowing waste and fluid exchange through the peritoneum.

NephroPlus Dialysis & Kidney Care Clinic in Vadapalani

Muthu Hospital, Pulianthope High Road, Pattalam, Pulianthope, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600012

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions you may have.

What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical procedure that cleanses blood when the kidneys can't, removing waste and excess fluids.
How often is dialysis needed?
Dialysis frequency varies but typically occurs 3 times per week for hemodialysis or daily for peritoneal dialysis.
What are the common side effects of dialysis?
Common side effects include low blood pressure, muscle cramps, nausea, and fatigue during or after treatment.
Can dialysis be done at home?
Yes, dialysis can be done at home with proper training and equipment.
How to choose the best dialysis center in Chennai?
Choose a Dialysis center in Chennai based on reputation, physician expertise, patient reviews, facility cleanliness, and available support services.

Your query is still not answered?

Try contact us

Contact Us

Tell us more about your query