Dialysis also known as Kidney Dialysis or Hemodialysis is a process wherein a machine is used to purify blood in a person with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, i.e, when the kidneys cannot function effectively on their own. In this procedure, blood is drawn out of the body through a dialysis access, and passed through the machine, or dialyzer, where it is filtered of waste substances such as urea and creatinine, and then returned to the body. Dialysis (Hemodialysis) also helps in the balancing of electrolytes and in the removal of extra fluid from the blood. This procedure helps in increasing the life expectancy of patients with kidney failure and helps them lead a normal life.
The following symptoms may indicate kidney disease or failure and in turn the requirement for kidney dialysis (hemodialysis).
Kidney failure and the need for dialysis can be confirmed through the following tests and diagnostic procedures:
For the treatment to commence, a dialysis access is created on a person’s body to gain access to the blood for filtration. The access can be created using the following methods:
Once an access is created, two needles, which are connected to two tubes that are in turn connected to the dialyzer, are inserted through the access site. Blood is then extracted with the help of one of the tubes and passed through the dialyzer where it is then cleansed with the help of a cleansing liquid called dialysate. The clean blood is returned to the body through the second tube. The patient’s blood pressure and heart rate are monitored during the course of the treatment and once dialysis is completed, the needles are removed from the access site.
Fluid shifts during the procedure can cause various side effects such as low blood pressure and hypertension, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches and nausea. Creation of access sites can also lead to infections or blockage if proper care is not taken. Sleep related problems and mood swings are common in patients undergoing Dialysis (Hemodialysis). It can also cause various forms of heart disease in the long run.
The patient needs to be closely monitored during and after the procedure for any sign of inadequate dialysis. The access site should be checked for infections and the patient and his caregivers should be educated to avoid the same. One should not carry heavy weights, sleep on, or restrict the access arm in any manner.
Our team will get in touch with you within the next 24 hours. You can also call us on +918080802665.
MD - General Medicine, DNB - Nephrology, MBBS - Nephrologist
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DNB - Nephrology, DM - Nephrology - Nephrologist
MBBS - J.J.Hospital, MD - Paediatrics , DCH - Nephrologist
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Nephrology), FISNC (Interventions) - Nephrologist
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Nephrology) - Nephrologist
MBBS, MD, DM - Nephrologist
MBBS | MD (General Medicine) | DNB (Nephrology) - Nephrologist
MBBS, MD - Pediatrics, Diploma - Child Health. - Nephrologist
MBBS, MD, DM - Nephrologist
Dialysis also known as Kidney Dialysis or Hemodialysis is a process wherein a machine is used to purify blood in a person with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, i.e, when the kidneys cannot function effectively on their own. In this procedure, blood is drawn out of the body through a dialysis access, and passed through the machine, or dialyzer, where it is filtered of waste substances such as urea and creatinine, and then returned to the body. Dialysis (Hemodialysis) also helps in the balancing of electrolytes and in the removal of extra fluid from the blood. This procedure helps in increasing the life expectancy of patients with kidney failure and helps them lead a normal life.
The following symptoms may indicate kidney disease or failure and in turn the requirement for kidney dialysis (hemodialysis).
Kidney failure and the need for dialysis can be confirmed through the following tests and diagnostic procedures:
For the treatment to commence, a dialysis access is created on a person’s body to gain access to the blood for filtration. The access can be created using the following methods:
Once an access is created, two needles, which are connected to two tubes that are in turn connected to the dialyzer, are inserted through the access site. Blood is then extracted with the help of one of the tubes and passed through the dialyzer where it is then cleansed with the help of a cleansing liquid called dialysate. The clean blood is returned to the body through the second tube. The patient’s blood pressure and heart rate are monitored during the course of the treatment and once dialysis is completed, the needles are removed from the access site.
Fluid shifts during the procedure can cause various side effects such as low blood pressure and hypertension, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches and nausea. Creation of access sites can also lead to infections or blockage if proper care is not taken. Sleep related problems and mood swings are common in patients undergoing Dialysis (Hemodialysis). It can also cause various forms of heart disease in the long run.
The patient needs to be closely monitored during and after the procedure for any sign of inadequate dialysis. The access site should be checked for infections and the patient and his caregivers should be educated to avoid the same. One should not carry heavy weights, sleep on, or restrict the access arm in any manner.
When kidney function goes below fifteen percent, kidneys are no longer able to filter the blood and make urine, causing toxins and excess fluid to build up in the body. Kidney Dialysis (Hemodialysis) is a treatment method that filters waste, removes extra fluid and balances electrolytes (sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate, and phosphate.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term used to describe kidney damage or reduced kidney function that persists for more than three months. Sometimes, Chronic kidney disease leads to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). When that happens, dialysis or a kidney transplant is required to keep the patient alive.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) means total and permanent kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, the body retains fluid and harmful waste, and they continue to build up over time. If your kidneys have failed, then you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
In hemodialysis, blood is removed from the patient's body and filtered through a man-made membrane called a dialyzer, or artificial kidney. Then the filtered blood is returned to the patient's body. The average person has about ten to twelve pints of blood. But during dialysis, only one pint (which equals two cups) is outside of the body at a time.
To perform hemodialysis, access is needed to get the blood from the body to the dialyzer and back to the body. There are three access types for hemodialysis. They are: arteriovenous (AV) fistula, AV graft, and a central venous catheter.
When you'll go for hemodialysis, a nurse or technician will check vital signs and will get your weight. The weight gain will tell how much excess fluid has to be removed during the treatment. You'll be then put on the machine. If you have vascular access (AV fistula or AV graft), then you'll get two needle sticks in your access. One needle will take blood out of the body, the other needle will put it back. But if you have a central venous catheter, then you will have the two tubes from the access connected to the blood tubes that lead to the dialyzer and back to the body. Once you are “put on the machine”, the dialysis machine is programmed and your treatment will begin.
The dialyzer is a hollow plastic tube that contains many tiny filters and the section for dialysate and the section for the blood. The two sections are divided by a semipermeable membrane so that the blood and dialysate don’t mix together. The dialysate is a solution of pure water, electrolytes, and salts, such as bicarbonate and sodium. The purpose of dialysate is to pull toxins from the blood into the dialysis solution. Due to the difference in concentration, the waste will move through the semipermeable membrane to create an equal amount on both sides. The dialysate is then flushed down the drain along with the waste. The electrolytes in the dialysate are also used to balance the electrolytes in the patient’s blood and the extra fluid is removed through a process called filtration.
Traditional, in-center hemodialysis is generally done 3 times a week for about 4 hours each session. Alternative hemodialysis plans such as nocturnal home dialysis are also available, and with nocturnal hemodialysis, the patient has dialysis for about 8 hours overnight while sleeping.
Dialysis can cost upto Rs 2000 in a private hospital. Monthly cost of dialysis can be approximately Rs 12,000.