What are the 4 Types of Dialysis?
When your kidneys’ function drops to 10-15 percent, you will be put on dialysis to prevent the accumulation of waste products in your blood. Dialysis imitates the function of your kidneys by filtering excess salt and waste from your blood. Dialysis centers in Navi Mumbai can execute the procedure in four different ways.
If you are wondering what are the 4 types of dialysis, read on.
1) Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis involves a dialyzer, often referred to as an artificial kidney. A machine removes the blood from your body, purifies it through the dialyzer, and transfers the filtered blood back to your body. The procedure lasts between 3 and 5 hours and is needed thrice a week. AV fistula or AV graft can be used to access your blood vessels. Sometimes, the catheter is placed on your neck or chest for quick access.
Pros
- It’s done under medical supervision and is a safe procedure
- Removes all kinds of toxins from your blood efficiently
Cons
- Multiple visits to the dialysis center
- Time-consuming
- Side effects include nausea and dizziness due to low blood pressure
2) Peritoneal Dialysis
If you want flexible dialysis that can be done at home, work, or while you’re asleep, peritoneal dialysis is your safest bet. The kidney dialysis treatment doctor in Navi Mumbai performs a small surgery to insert a catheter into your abdomen, through which dialysate (a special solution) flows into your belly. The peritoneum acts as the natural filter. It collects all toxins from your bloodstream into the solution, which is then drained out.
It’s categorized into two types:
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): It’s needed 4-5 times a day while you are awake. Each session takes 30-40 minutes.
- Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): As the name suggests, the dialysis is executed automatically, mostly overnight.
Although it’s the best choice for those who can’t visit the hospital for dialysis frequently or spend 3-4 hours in each session, peritoneal dialysis requires proper incision care. The common risks include infection (peritonitis), weakened abdominal muscles, and hernia.
3) Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
CRRT is reserved for patients diagnosed with acute kidney failure and those who are monitored in the Intensive Care Unit. Unlike typical dialysis procedures, which last 3-4 hours, this one runs slowly and filters the waste from your bloodstream in a 24-hour cycle. It mimics your kidney function, puts less strain on your heart, and stabilizes your blood pressure. The therapy is the safest choice for critically ill patients whose bodies cannot tolerate regular dialysis.
4) Home Hemodialysis
It’s similar to regular hemodialysis, except you can do it at home. The machine filters your blood and returns the purified blood to your body. The best part about home hemodialysis is that it offers flexibility in running the dialysis machine. You can choose the normal or shorter session that lasts 2-3 hours but is required 5-6 days a week. Nocturnal HHD is another great choice for patients who want a gentle treatment that lasts 5-6 hours and can be executed overnight.