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Read MoreUnderstanding Dialysis: A Beginner's Guide to Kidney Failure Treatment
Key Takeaways
Hemodialysis typically requires 3-4 hour sessions three times per week at a dialysis center, using an arteriovenous fistula created surgically 2-3 months before starting treatment.
Peritoneal dialysis involves filling the abdomen with 1.5-3 liters of cleansing fluid through a permanent catheter, with exchanges performed 3-5 times daily or overnight using a machine.
Kidney function below 10-15% (Stage 5 chronic kidney disease) usually triggers the need for renal replacement therapy, as waste products like creatinine and urea reach toxic levels.
Common side effects include hypotension during hemodialysis (affecting 20-30% of patients), peritonitis risk with peritoneal dialysis (1 episode per 18-24 months), and phosphorus buildup requiring dietary restrictions.
Dialysis patients have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 35-40%, though this varies significantly based on age, underlying conditions, and treatment adherence.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney failure, your doctor may have mentioned dialysis as a treatment option. Dialysis is a life-saving procedure that takes over the functions of your kidneys when they are no longer able to do their job. In this article, we'll explain what dialysis is, who needs it, and the different types of dialysis available.
What Are Kidneys and What Do They Do?
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below your rib cage, on each side of your spine. They play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health by:
Removing waste and excess fluid from your body
Regulating your blood pressure
Keeping your bones strong
Ensuring the right balance of minerals, such as potassium and sodium, in your blood
Producing a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production
Who Needs Dialysis?
When your kidneys are no longer able to perform their functions adequately, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. This condition is known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney failure can be caused by various factors, including:
Injuries
Chronic health conditions like lupus, high blood pressure, or diabetes
Unknown reasons
Your doctor will recommend starting dialysis when you have symptoms of kidney failure, such as nausea, fatigue, and swelling, or when your lab tests show dangerous levels of waste in your blood.
Types of Dialysis
There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis
In hemodialysis, a machine filters your blood outside your body, cleaning it before returning it to your body. This process typically takes place at a dialysis facility or hospital, but it can also be done at home. Before starting hemodialysis, you'll need a minor surgery to create direct access to your bloodstream through a fistula, graft, or catheter.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter your blood. A special fluid called dialysis solution is introduced into your abdominal cavity through a catheter, absorbing waste and excess fluid from your blood. After a few hours, the solution is drained from your body. PD is typically done at home, either manually (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis) or with the help of a machine (automated peritoneal dialysis).
Potential Side Effects of Dialysis
While dialysis shouldn't be painful, you may experience some side effects, such as:
Itchy skin
Low blood pressure
Sleep problems
Fluid overload
Infections
Depression or mood swings
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
To stay healthy on dialysis, it's essential to monitor your access site for signs of infection, keep your catheter clean and dry, and ensure that anyone assisting with your treatment follows proper hand hygiene.
Deciding to Stop Dialysis
Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that can improve your quality of life, but it's not for everyone. Some people, particularly those who are elderly or have other severe medical conditions, may choose not to start or to stop dialysis. If you're considering stopping dialysis, discuss alternative treatments and lifestyle changes with your doctor that may help manage your symptoms and improve your well-being.
Key Takeaways
Dialysis is a treatment that takes over kidney functions when they fail.
Kidney failure can be caused by injuries, chronic health conditions, or unknown reasons.
There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Dialysis can cause side effects, ranging from minor to severe.
Some people may choose not to start or to stop dialysis based on their individual circumstances.
For more information on dialysis and kidney failure, consult the following reputable sources:
The Bottom Line
Both dialysis options can effectively sustain life when kidneys fail, but require significant lifestyle adjustments and carry distinct risks and benefits. The choice between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis depends on your medical condition, lifestyle preferences, and home situation. If you're facing kidney disease decisions, Doctronic can help you understand which treatment approach might work best for your specific circumstances.
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