What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a treatment for people whose renal functioning has nosedived. Damaged kidneys are unable to filter out wastes from the blood effectively, resulting in a buildup of toxins and wastes in the body. As a result, there is a waste and toxin build-up in your bloodstream. Dialysis does the filtering job of the kidneys by removing wastes and toxins from the body.

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What is Dialysis Process?

There are two main types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis

What is Hemodialysis?

In hemodialysis, your blood is removed via a machine and filtered through a dialyzer (artificial kidney), and the cleaned blood is returned to your body via the machine. It is a 3-5 hours long process and you may have to go through this procedure 2-3 times a week.

What happens before hemodialysis?

Before hemodialysis, you’ll undergo a minor surgical procedure so that there is easy access to your bloodstream. You may have:

• Arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula): In this procedure, a surgeon makes a connection between an artery and a vein in your arm.
• Arteriovenous graft (AV graft): In case of the artery and the vein being too short to connect, a graft (soft, hollow tube) is used to connect the artery and vein.
• AV fistulas and grafts help in enlarging the connected artery and vein, making the dialysis process easier.

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During hemodialysis, the dialysis machine:

• Removes blood with the help of a needle from your arm.
• Circulates the blood through the dialyzer filter and then moves the waste into the dialyzer. The cleansing liquid in the dialyzer contains water, salt, and other additives.
• Returns filtered blood to your body via a different needle in your arm.
• Keeps a check on the blood pressure.

Some of the hemo-dialysis side effects are:

• Low blood pressure immediately after dialysis
• Chest pain or back pain
• Headaches
• Itchy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Restless legs syndrome

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

In this type of dialysis, tiny blood vessels inside the abdominal lining (peritoneum) do the job of filtering blood with the help of a dialysis solution. This solution is a cleansing liquid that has water, salt, and other additives. Peritoneal dialysis takes place at home. Two ways to do this treatment are:

• Automated peritoneal dialysis
• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

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What happens before Peritoneal Dialysis?

You will have to go through a minor surgical operation before the commencement of this type of dialysis. A soft, thin tube (catheter) is inserted through your belly and into the peritoneum. A healthcare provider will teach you the entire procedure of dialysis and precautionary measures as well.

During peritoneal dialysis:

• The catheter is connected to one branch of a Y-shaped tube. This tube is connected to the bag containing the dialysis solution. This solution then flows through the tube and catheter into the peritoneal cavity.
• Disconnect the tube and catheter after 10 minutes, when the bag becomes empty.
• Cap off the catheter.
• Do your usual activities while the waste and extra fluids are absorbed by the dialysis solution inside the peritoneal cavity. This process lasts for 60-90 minutes.
• You must remove the cap from the catheter and make use of the other branch of the Y-shaped tube to empty the fluid into a clean, empty bag.
• You need to repeat this process for up to 4 times a day.

You may feel bloated during and after this dialysis procedure.

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What is Dialysis and When is Dialysis Needed?

As mentioned above, dialysis is a process by which waste products are filtered from your blood via a machine. If you have an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or if your kidney functioning has nosedived rapidly, then you would need dialysis.

If you want to know what is dialysis in Hindi, click here

Dialysis is the standard procedure for those suffering from significant kidney damage. It lengthens the life span of kidney patients and helps them live a quality life. However, you must weigh the pros and cons before opting for dialysis.

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