What is dialysis?
Sometimes due to genetic factors or any other inherent conditions, kidneys might stop functioning or lose the capacity to filter blood on their own; hence, our body needs external support to do the job. Dialysis is a process wherein a special machine is put to use to filter blood as the kidneys do and remove excess fluids from the body. There are two types of dialysis namely:
- Hemodialysis: a dialysis machine and dialyzer are used to filter blood artificially.
- Peritoneal dialysis: A special cleaning solution is used to filter blood by filling the abdomen with it.
It is usually a preferred option for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease until they receive kidney transplantation. It is done two to three times a week or alternate days as per the prognosis of the patient. Peritoneal dialysis is usually preferred and done in children. If the kidney function is almost lost say, 95% of kidneys don’t work then you is a suitable candidate for dialysis. India has more than 15 lakh individuals suffering from kidney related ailments who need to be on dialysis, and number keeps increasing year on year. In the recent years the dialysis patient with end stage renal diseases survival rates have improved in India due to the quality treatment being offered in all the hospitals. It is notable to note that India stands second in kidney donations from live donors. As per the above requirement India needs about 1 50000 Kidney transplantations every year and the actual kidney transplant done are about less than five thousand a year. People with CAPD are less than 6000 persons. About 20000 patients on average undergo dialysis on a day to day basis in India.
The Advantages of dialysis:
Dialysis is important for survival in case of kidney failures:
- It prevents fluid retention in the body which may lead to further complications.
- It helps the patient survive until he or she receives a kidney transplant.
- If a patient is 20 years or so, he can expect another 20 years if he is on dialysis.
- It gives a new lease of life for patients suffering from end-stage renal diseases.
- It is a safe and time-tested procedure
Although dialysis is a safe and time-tested procedure, some patients may develop temporary complications like:
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Dialysis patient may also experience symptoms like:
- Low energy levels with no interest in day to day activities
- Acute depression or depressive tendencies
- Catheter-based infections may affect the patient usually in peritoneal dialysis.
- Diet restrictions are to be followed during dialysis like limiting fluid intake.
- Going to the dialysis centre to get dialysis done may seem a cumbersome process. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home and does not interfere with our day to day activities, however; the risk of infection is high in peritoneal dialysis.
Steps to prevent infection:
- Keep the access area dry and clean
- Keep washing hands with sanitizer
- Use antiseptic lotion or cream at access site
- Avoid wetting the area
Dialysis at KIMS?
KIMS has the best nephrologists in Hyderabad. The kidney care treatment is highly efficient and reliable and effective. We have the latest dialysis equipment and our infrastructural facilities are par excellence. The dialysis unit is very hygienic and patient friendly and is thoroughly sterilized to prevent infections. Our nephrologists work round the clock to provide the best possible kidney care. We have staff, equipment and other necessary accessories to perform emergency bedside dialysis. Kidney specialists or nephrologists in KIMS are highly qualified and experienced in dialysis procedures. KIMS is expanding its operations to places like Rajahmundry to reach out to patients in many Andhra villages. KIMS has the latest dialysis equipment and the dialysis centre is the best in Hyderabad.