Dialysis: Types, How It Works, Procedure, Side Effects, Types, Effectiveness

What Is Dialysis?

Dialysis is one medical process that performs all the functions of the kidneys if they lose their ability to function productively. Dialysis is referred to as the process of removing any form of waste products and excess fluid from the blood because the kidneys fail to excrete in urine. Dialysis helps patients with kidney failure, and it is a life-saving treatment.

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This Story also Contains

1. What Is Dialysis?
2. Types Of Dialysis
3. Dialysis Function
4. Indications For Dialysis
5. Dialysis Procedure
6. Complications Of Dialysis
7. Dialysis And Lifestyle
8. Dialysis Innovations And Advances
9. Recommended Video On 'Dialysis'

The normal function of dialysis involves the balancing of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products in the body in case of improper functioning of the kidney. It can relieve symptoms of kidney failure and make life better for these patients.

Types Of Dialysis

The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. While they purify waste and excess fluid from the blood in essentially the same way, both ways differ in the method and equipment utilised.

Hemodialysis

• Hemodialysis is when blood is filtered by a machine outside the body to remove waste products and excess fluid.

• Blood is withdrawn from the body, then filtered in the dialyser, and then returned to the body.

Components

• Dialyzer: This is the artificial kidney for filtering the waste products in the blood.

• Dialysis Machine: It controls the blood and dialysate flows.

• Vascular Access: The site through which blood would be removed and returned.

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Works well at removing wastes, suitable for a hospital or clinic setting.

• Needs to visit a dialysis centre a few times a week, which tends to cause complications at the access site.

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Peritoneal Dialysis is conducted by using the lining of one's abdomen-(peritoneum) as a no-nonsense filter to take out excess waste products and fluid from the body.

• Fill the abdominal cavity with dialysis fluid; it takes up the waste products and is drained out.

• Dialysis Fluid: Fluid to carry off waste

• Catheter: Tube placed in the abdomen to exchange fluid

• Can be conducted at home, flexible, and independent.

• Prone to infections and involves the installation of a permanent catheter in the abdomen.

Dialysis Function

Dialysis tries to mimic the normal function of the kidneys through a process known as diffusion and osmosis, which leads to excluding excess fluid from the blood and filtering waste products.

• Wastes move from high concentrated amount in blood to low concentrated amount in dialysate through a semi-permeable membrane.

• Excess fluid in the blood moves through osmosis into the dialysate.

• Dialysate – a fluid through which waste products are removed and through which the electrolyte balance is maintained.

• Composed specifically, it draws the waste products out from the blood while replenishing what is necessary.

• Hemodialysis: In hemodialysis, blood is filtered through a dialyzer.

• Peritoneal dialysis: The peritoneum acts as the filter in peritoneal dialysis.

Indications For Dialysis

Dialysis is indicated for patients with severe kidney dysfunction or failure.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• This is a loss of renal functions progressively over time, and dialysis may be required for the terminal part of kidney failure.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

• It is a sudden reduction of kidney function that may be long-term or short-term. Sometimes this requires dialysis.

• Refractory fluid overload

• Uremia

• Severe electrolyte imbalance

• Fatigue, nausea, breathing problem

Dialysis Procedure

Whenever the kidney capacity drops, the patient has to undergo an appropriate number of dialysis sessions.

Hemodialysis

• A session of withdrawing blood out of the body, passing it through a filter, and again returning it into the body.

• Three times a week, and each session would be roughly about 3-5 hours.

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): These are manual exchanges performed throughout the day.

• Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): These machine-assisted exchanges are usually performed overnight.

• The introduction of dialysis fluid into the abdomen, dwelling, and then draining out from it.

• CAPD requires multiple daily exchanges; APD is usually performed nightly.

Complications Of Dialysis

Complications with dialysis can be either short- or long-term complications.

Common Complications

• Hypotension: low blood pressure that happens during dialysis

• Muscle Cramps: rise during or after dialysis.

• Infections: a risk exists at the access site

• Access Site Complications: some problems with vascular access or catheter.

Long-term Complications

• Amyloidosis: protein deposits in the joints and tissues.

• Cardiovascular Disease: High risk because of the pressure on the heart and blood vessels.

Dialysis And Lifestyle

Dialysis impacts several areas of life for a patient, which he or she has to adapt to.

• One needs to maintain potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake.

• Needs to be restricted to avoid fluid overload.

• Routine moderate exercises can keep one healthy.

• Planning travel around dialysis sessions is a necessity.

• Patients often require psychological assistance or counselling to relieve the multiple burdens the process of dialysis treatment imposes.

Dialysis Innovations And Advances

The recent innovations are towards ensuring the improvement and availability of dialysis.

Portable Dialysis Machines

• Smaller, more convenient machines for home use.

Wearable Artificial Kidneys

• Devices providing continuous renal replacement while on the go.

Bioengineered Kidneys

• Development of functional artificial kidneys with a biotechnological approach

Conclusion

Dialysis is a lifeline treatment for patients with kidney failure. It provides them with the possibility of managing their illness and sustaining quality of life. With medical technology rapidly growing, it seems as though the future for dialysis leans towards more efficient and hassle-free modes of treatment. Patients must receive support and must be encouraged, as it is a gruelling process for patients and their families.

Recommended Video On 'Dialysis'