Dialysis | Nucleus Health
Dialysis: A Life-Saving Treatment for Kidney Failure
Short Summary:
Dialysis is a procedure that cleanses the blood when kidneys are unable to function properly. It removes waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes, mimicking the natural filtering process of healthy kidneys. Dialysis is used to treat both chronic and acute kidney failure, and can also be used to remove toxins from the body. Two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis, which uses a machine to filter blood outside the body, and peritoneal dialysis, which utilizes the lining of the abdomen to filter blood internally. Both methods involve specific procedures and require careful preparation and monitoring.
Detailed Summary:
Section 1: Introduction to Dialysis
- Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure.
- Healthy kidneys filter waste, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood, which are then excreted through urine.
- When kidneys fail, these waste products accumulate, leading to various health problems.
- Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney, removing these harmful substances from the blood.
Section 2: Hemodialysis
- Hemodialysis involves using a machine called a dialyzer to clean the blood outside the body.
- Before starting hemodialysis, a vascular access site is created in the arm, either through an arteriovenous graft or fistula.
- During the procedure, two needles are inserted into the access site, connecting the patient's blood to the dialyzer.
- The dialyzer contains filtering fibers and a cleaning solution called dialysate, which removes waste and excess fluids from the blood.
- Cleaned blood is then returned to the body through the second needle.
Section 3: Peritoneal Dialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis utilizes the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter blood internally.
- A catheter is surgically implanted near the belly button, allowing dialysate to enter and exit the abdomen.
- Each dialysis session involves filling the abdomen with dialysate, allowing waste products to diffuse into the solution.
- The dialysate is then drained out, carrying the waste with it.
- This process is repeated multiple times a day, depending on the patient's needs.
Conclusion:
Dialysis is a vital treatment option for people with kidney failure, offering a way to maintain life and improve quality of life. Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for each patient depends on individual factors and preferences.