Dialysis in a ckd patient

How is Dialysis done

Dialysis is an important medical procedure used to treat patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. It works by filtering the blood and removing waste products, toxins, excess fluids and balancing the blood electrolytes.

What happens during Dialysis?

During dialysis, a machine does the work of the kidneys by circulating the patient’s blood through a filter.

During dialysis, the patient’s blood is first pumped into a special machine called a dialyzer. The dialyzer is made up of two chambers separated by a semi-permeable membrane.

The blood is then pushed through the membrane using a dialysate solution, which helps extract the waste products from the blood. Once the blood is cleaned, it is then returned to the patient’s body.

Dialysis can be a life-saving treatment for those with kidney failure, but it can come with some risks. That’s why it’s important to be monitored closely and to follow your doctor’s recommendations for frequency of treatments.

Useful Resource-

NHS on Dialysis

What are different methods of Dialysis?

Dialysis is done in two ways: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

During hemodialysis, the patient’s blood is filtered through a machine that is connected to the patient by two needles. The blood passes through a filter and is then returned to the patient’s body.

Peritoneal dialysis works by filling the patient’s abdomen with a special fluid that helps filter the blood. This is done through a catheter that is surgically placed in the abdomen.

Both types of dialysis help keep the patient’s body in balance, allowing them to live a healthier, more active life.

What are the benefits of Dialysis?

Dialysis can be a difficult process, but the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks. It can help patients live longer, healthier lives and reduce their risk of complications from kidney failure.

So if you or someone you know is living with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about dialysis.

Dialysis is a vital treatment for those with kidney failure, and it can be done at home or in a hospital.

With the right care, dialysis can help improve the quality of life for those with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, it’s important to learn more about dialysis and find out if it’s the right treatment for you.

Patient getting dialysis
Image source- Canva Pro

What are the steps in a dialysis?

Dialysis of a patient is carried out by a trained technician on the advice of a nephrologist in the following steps-

  • Accessing the vascular system: A needle is inserted into a vein in the arm, or a fistula surgically created in the arm is used to access the vascular system. A fistula is created prior to initiating dialysis.
  • Connecting the patient to the dialysis machine: The needle or fistula is connected to the dialysis machine.
  • Removing the impurities: The dialysis machine will remove the impurities, waste and excess fluid from the body.
  • Replacing the lost fluids: The machine will also replace the lost fluids in the body.
  • Connecting the patient to the dialysis machine: The needle or fistula is disconnected from the dialysis machine and the patient is removed from the machine.

Here’s a video that shows how dialysis is done-

SIDE-EFFECTS OR COMPLICATIONS OF DIALYSIS

Due to the nature of the procedure, dialysis comes with a number of side effects or complications. One of the most common complications of dialysis is blood clotting. However, precautions are undertaken to avoid this.

Dialysis patients may also experience –

  1. fatigue,
  2. nausea,
  3. vomiting
  4. and muscle cramps.

Other side effects of dialysis include electrolyte imbalances, fluid imbalances, and infections.

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