What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a procedure that performs the function of a healthy pair of kidneys as their replacement. Before dialysis, the problem of kidney failure was death. Since its invention, the treatment has given hope to many people to live a productive life, without scarifying what is important for them.

One of the studies has shown that around 10% of the population is affected by kidney problems and around 2 million people all over the world are getting kidney treatments like a kidney transplant or dialysis to live.

What is the need for Dialysis?

It is for individuals with impaired, injured, or damaged kidneys. This treatment will be given to patients who suffer from renal failure or chronic kidney disease. However, this issue is not permanent. This can be used for the people for a limited time till the time the kidney cannot function properly.

What are the temporary cases of Dialysis?

• Heart disease
• Consumption of toxic substances or drug overdose
• Kidney injury

What are the types of Dialysis?

• Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a common treatment in which hemodialyzer performs the work of removing excess waste and chemicals from the blood. The patient needs to undergo minor surgery for blood vessel enlargement and incision is made in the arm to insert catheters.

Typically, the entire method takes 3 to 5 hours and it is performed 3 times a week. The requirement of the treatment can vary depending on the patient’s condition.

When home dialysis is the best option?

• The patient has physical stability
• Patients home is suitable for dialysis needs
• Patients need to get treatment for an extended time
• Patients do not have any health issue which can affect the treatment
• The patient has someone with him or her, to help them.

• Peritoneal dialysis

In peritoneal dialysis, the catheter is placed in the abdomen, and the area is filled with dialysate through the catheter. This helps in taking out the waste gradually along with harmful toxins from the bloodstream. This type takes more time to give the results like hemodialysis.

What are the types of peritoneal dialysis?

The 2 main types are CAPD and CCPD. The basic treatment is the same between the two. The difference arises the way it is performed and the total number of sessions needed.

• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

With CAPD, there is no need for a machine. The patient or caregiver will fill & drain the solution through the catheter, multiple times in a day. This process is called an exchange, and it is done 3 to 5 times a day for around 45 minutes.

• Continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)

With CCPD, a machine is used to fill and drain the fluid from the abdomen. This is done in the night when the patient is asleep for 10 to 12 hours. It is best for children, infants, and aged people because of the comfort level.