Kidneys are the beans-like structures present on either side of the spine. Kidneys are responsible for removing waste from the body and keeping your bones stronger. They are also responsible for maintaining the required amounts of minerals, potassium, and sodium in the blood. If your kidneys fail, they cannot filter your blood and waste gets accumulated in the blood.

Dialysis is a procedure used for purifying the blood and removing waste from the blood if the kidneys are no longer working. 

When is Dialysis Required?

If you have failed kidneys or end-stage renal disease, then you need dialysis. Several conditions can damage your kidneys such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. They can even lead to kidney diseases.

In some cases, kidney disease can occur without any reason. Kidney failure can occur due to a severe injury or illness. In some people, acute kidney failure can happen suddenly. In this case, you need dialysis only for a short period.

You need dialysis when the lab tests determine a larger amount of waste in your blood. This occurs when the kidneys are working less than 10% of how they should work. If you have certain signs of kidney failure such as nausea, swelling, and fatigue, then you may need dialysis.

The doctor determines the treatment plan and how frequently you need dialysis by considering various factors such as age, overall health, test results, etc.

What Are the Types of Dialysis?

There are two types of dialysis namely:

• Hemodialysis: In hemodialysis, your blood is collected in a machine and is purified outside your body. Then the purified blood is transferred back to your body. This procedure takes around 3 to 5 hours. It can be performed either at the hospital or at your home.
• Peritoneal dialysis: In this method of dialysis, your blood is purified inside your body. During the procedure, a solution is sent into the abdomen. The solution cleans the waste from your blood that flows through the small blood vessels in the abdomen. Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home either manually or by using a machine.

How is Hemodialysis Performed?

During hemodialysis, your blood is collected and is passed through a machine called a dialyser filter. The dialyser filter removes waste and extra fluids from the blood. Then the purified blood is sent back to your body using a needle in your arm, neck, or leg. Your blood pressure will be monitored during this process to adjust the speed of blood flow in and out of your body.

How is Peritoneal Dialysis Performed?

Before undergoing peritoneal dialysis, you need to undergo surgery three weeks before this dialysis to insert a catheter into your peritoneum. The inserted catheter remains in your body permanently.

During peritoneal dialysis, the catheter will be connected to a Y-shaped tube which is connected to a bag of dialysis solution. The solution travels through the tube to the catheter and finally into the peritoneal cavity. Once the bag becomes empty, the tube is disconnected. The dialysis solution inside the peritoneal cavity absorbs the waste and excess fluids from your body. The fluid is then drained into another bag. This procedure takes around 90 minutes. You can perform these steps three to four times a day.

Can Dialysis Cure Kidney Disease?

Dialysis cannot cure kidney disease. If your kidneys have failed or are damaged, they cannot remove waste and fluids from your blood. Dialysis is helpful for patients who have failed kidneys or damaged kidneys.

Are There Any Restrictions During Dialysis?

In most cases, you can stay active in your life with dialysis. It is an ongoing treatment and you should not miss a session. Even when you are travelling, your doctor can help you have dialysis at your nearest location.

Can I Stop Dialysis?

Dialysis can help improve your quality of life. If you wish to stop dialysis, check with your doctor about other treatment options. Though stopping dialysis is your choice, you should consider mentioning your concerns to your doctor. If you wish to stop as you are ashamed, you should speak to a mental health professional. If the condition that is damaging your kidneys is not treated, then quitting dialysis can lead to death.

Is There Any Alternative to Dialysis?

Dialysis is a time taking and expensive procedure. Everyone may not undergo dialysis unless they have severe kidney disease and if the kidneys are unable to remove waste from the blood.

Dialysis is performed when your kidneys lost more than 80% of their functioning. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can help slow down the damage to your kidneys. You should have enough fluids to avoid dehydration. You can also choose to have kidney transplantation as an alternative to dialysis.

Dialysis may not be suitable for everyone. It is not suitable for very elderly people and for people who have severe medical conditions.

Visit PRK Hospital for Dialysis Treatment

PRK Hospital is one of the best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. We have a team of expert doctors who can perform over 5000 procedures. We are well-equipped with the latest tools and technology to make dialysis safe and effective for our patients. We determine the right type of dialysis for you by considering various factors. You can count on us for dialysis procedures. To schedule a consultation, call us today.