Dialysis is a medical procedure in which a filtering system is used to remove toxins from the body when the kidneys fail. The first dialysis machine was created in 1943. Today, the National Kidney Foundation estimates that more than 200,000 people use dialysis on a regular basis. However, this life-saving procedure does not come without problems that require diligence and expert care by healthcare providers and patients.
What is Dialysis
Dialysis is a life-saving medical procedure that basically performs the same duties as the kidneys, cleaning the body of harmful toxins. If these toxins aren't removed, they can affect other organs, including the heart and brain. Untreated, kidney failure causes death.
Types of Dialysis
The job of the kidneys is done in one of two ways -- through peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis uses a special sterile solution, which flows into your abdominal cavity through a catheter placed in the belly. The lining of the abdominal wall, or the peritoneum, acts as a natural filter, pulling waste from blood that flows through the lining into the solution. Once the filtering is complete, the solution is drained from the body and thrown away. This procedure is done several times a day and is easy to learn. In hemodialysis, blood flows through a dialysis machine containing an artificial kidney called a dialyzer. The dialyzer allows waste and excess fluid to pass through while holding back important things like blood cells and nutrients. The waste is carried away, and the clean blood flows back into the body. The process takes three to five hours, and most people have the treatment three times a week in a dialysis center. However, home hemodialysis kits are now available to some patients.
Access Points
Before starting peritoneal dialysis, surgeons will create an access point. This access point is located in the abdomen, where a tube is inserted to carry the cleansing fluid to and from the body. Because this access point is an open wound, special care must be taken to keep the area very clean and free from infection. Similarly, with hemodialysis, a surgeon creates an access point, known as a fistula, by joining an artery and a vein. It will take a few weeks for this site to heal so a temporary access point may be created in the neck or groin area. This site can be prone to infection as well, so proper cleaning is critical.
Problems with Hemodialysis
Overall, since dialysis is designed to take the place of the kidneys, most patients say they feel better after a treatment. However, some complications can occur. Due to the large amount of fluid pulled from the body during hemodialysis, patients can have problems with low blood pressure and nausea during treatment. Extreme fatigue is common, so it may be necessary to rest for a few hours during and after treatment. Some common side effects also include itchy skin, hair loss, restless legs and leg cramps. Most of these are usually easily treated with over-the- counter medication, make sure to get advisement from a doctor first.
Problems with Peritoneal Dialysis
Because peritoneal dialysis patients are more prone to infection, special care must be taken to watch for peritonitis, a serious infection in the peritoneal cavity. All dialysis patients must be careful about the amount of fluid they drink. Excessive fluid causes weight gain, swollen ankles and legs and shortness of breath. Peritoneal fluid contains large amounts of sugar, so weight gain is also common in patients.
Preventing Complications
Dialysis is a live-saving solution to kidney failure, but it's important to follow the guidelines so the body can get the maximum benefit from the treatment. Be sure to attend all dialysis sessions and doctor visits. Take all medications on time and in prescribed dosages. Follow the recommended diet for your condition, and be careful how much fluid you drink.
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