What are the different types of dialysis?

What is Dialysis?

Before talking about dialysis, some understanding of kidney function is vital. Kidneys filter out wastes from the body and ensure a balance between salts, minerals, electrolytes, etc. in the body. When the functioning of your kidneys becomes compromised, a constant build-up of wastes in the body leads to multiple health complications. That is why, kidney treatment in Ayurveda or Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease encourages a person to take good care of his/her kidneys.

A person with severely damaged kidneys will have no mechanism to filter those wastes out of the body. This is where dialysis comes into the picture. In dialysis, instead of the kidneys, a machine filters out wastes and toxins from the blood and returns the filtered blood to the patient's body.

What are the different types of dialysis?

Dialysis has two types:

• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis

What is Hemodialysis?

In hemodialysis, a machine is engaged in the job of taking out impure blood from your body and filtering it via a dialyzer (artificial kidney). This filtered blood is returned to the patient’s body. it usually takes 3-5 hours and you may have to undergo hemodialysis 3-4 times a week, depending on the severity of your disease.

Hemodialysis Process

To have easy access to your bloodstream, a minor surgical procedure is performed. You may have to undergo:

• Arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula): In this medical procedure, a surgeon forms a connection between an artery and a vein in your arm.
• Arteriovenous graft (AV graft): There may be a scenario where the artery and vein are too short to connect. In that case, the surgeon uses a graft (a soft, hollow tube) to connect them.

The main aim of these surgical procedures is to enlarge the connected artery and vein so that dialysis goes on smoothly.

During hemodialysis, the dialysis machine:

• Removes blood via needle.
• Then, it circulates blood through the dialyzer filter, where waste is removed. The cleansing solution in this machine is made up of water, salt, and other additives.
• Returns the filtered blood to your body through a different needle when the process is over.

To minimize any untoward occurrence, the machine monitors your blood pressure and other vitals.

Potential Side Effects:

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

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

In Peritoneal dialysis, tiny blood vessels present in the abdominal lining (peritoneum) take center stage, as they filter the blood with the help of a dialysis solution. This dialysis solution consists of water, salt, and other additives. Peritoneal dialysis takes place at home. Two different forms of Peritoneal dialysis are:

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

Prep Before Peritoneal Dialysis

Before starting this type of dialysis, you as a patient will have to undergo a minor surgical procedure. A soft, thin tube (called a catheter) is inserted through the abdomen into the peritoneum. Your doctor will explain the necessary precautions and help you with the explanation. Being less disruptive compared to hemodialysis is the biggest benefit of peritoneal dialysis.

During peritoneal dialysis:

• The catheter inserted in the belly is connected to one branch of a Y-shaped tube. The bag containing the dialysis solution and this tube are connected. This dialysis solution flows through the tube and catheter into the peritoneal cavity.
• You are expected to disconnect the tube and catheter after 10 minutes and put a cap on the catheter.
• The dialysis may last for 1-1.5 hours. In the meantime, you can resume your daily activities while the dialysis solution filters your blood inside the body.
• Remove the cap from the catheter and empty out the solution in a different bag once the dialysis process is done.
• You may have to undergo this process 3-4 times a day; it all depends on the state of your kidneys.
• Bloating is often associated with this dialysis

When is Dialysis Needed?

A massive deterioration in the renal function usually prompts the doctors to recommend dialysis to the patients. If your eGFR is 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less, then you need to undergo dialysis.

Things to Know Before Undergoing Dialysis

• Keep your latest medical reports with you. Your doctor will thoroughly check the vital signs of your body like blood pressure, heartbeat, etc. before recommending dialysis.
• Dialysis is not painful in itself, however, needles used in hemodialysis cause pain.
• Undergoing dialysis does not automatically translate into you living longer; it is just a medical procedure to filter out wastes from the body.
• Eat a renal-friendly diet pre, during, and post-dialysis.

Why Choose Karma Ayurveda Hospital for Renal Treatment?

Karma Ayurveda remains the ultimate destination for those seeking natural treatment for health disorders, including renal damage. The hospital offers quality treatment that are based on herbal methods that include herbs, healing therapies, etc. Visit the nearest branch and start your journey towards good health.

Conclusion

A standard procedure for people with acute renal damage, dialysis has been a lifesaver for many and does help improve the quality of life of those suffering from severe renal damage. Consulting with your healthcare provider on the requirement of dialysis is a must. It will be better if you take care of your kidneys while you are healthy. This will help you avoid undergoing this procedure.