Those with failed kidneys can either get a kidney transplant or consider dialysis. The latter is an ongoing procedure, which does the work of your kidneys by filtering waste and excess liquid from your blood. The procedure is done at a dialysis center in Navi Mumbai and is considered an effective way to eliminate waste that might otherwise accumulate in your bloodstream. Patients whose 90% of the kidneys have stopped functioning are good candidates for dialysis. Let’s see the procedure, how it works, its types, and more.
Types of Dialysis
There are three main types of dialysis and each works in different ways, although the purpose of each is the same.
Hemodialysis
In hemodialysis, an artificial kidney filters your blood and returns it to your body after removing all the waste and fluid. The procedure is done 3 times a week and is usually a 3-4 hour procedure, which can be done at home or the dialysis center. Before you start dialysis, your healthcare provider will perform a small surgery to enlarge your veins so that it’s easier to insert a catheter into the veins, as well as, improve the blood flow in and out of your body.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis filters waste from your blood through the tiny blood vessels in your abdominal lining. A special dialysis solution, containing minerals and glucose, is used to conduct kidney dialysis. The solution stays in your peritoneum overnight and the waste is collected in the dialysis solution. It can be drained into an empty bag within 60 minutes. The procedure must, however, be performed at least 4 times a day.
Benefits of Dialysis
- The procedure maintains an adequate level of calcium, potassium, and other minerals in your body.
- It’s quite effective in treating kidney failure and can do most of the job of a healthy kidney.
- Dialysis can be done at home while traveling, and when you are asleep. It’s convenient.
Risks and Complications of Dialysis
The most common risk of dialysis is the infection in the graft, which is implanted into your abdomen in peritoneal dialysis. Patients can contract peritonitis from the catheter. There’s also a risk of skin infection due to the catheter. People who choose peritoneal dialysis report excess fatigue due to the lack of protein and other nutrients. There’s also a risk of a hernia around the abdominal area.
Life After Dialysis
Life with dialysis is pretty normal. You can travel, eat, sleep, raise families, and work as usual as long as you get the dialysis treatment as and when required. You can consider self-dialysis by getting the dialysis machine and solution at home. It can also be done when you are asleep. However, dialysis is mostly seen as a temporary solution to replace your kidney function with artificial kidneys. You might eventually need to undergo a kidney transplant to ensure normal and healthy kidney function.
That was all about kidney dialysis and its types. See a kidney dialysis specialist in Navi Mumbai to learn more about the procedure and the risk factors.
