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Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for patients with kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This condition occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Dialysis acts as an artificial replacement for kidney function by performing the following crucial functions:
Dialysis machines use a special filter (dialyzer) to remove waste products, such as urea and creatinine, from the blood. These waste substances are typically eliminated by healthy kidneys but accumulate in the bloodstream in kidney failure.
Patients with ESRD often experience fluid retention, leading to swelling (edema) and high blood pressure. Dialysis helps regulate fluid levels by removing excess fluid, maintaining a healthy balance in the body.
This process involves using a dialysis machine to filter blood outside the body. Blood is drawn from the patient through a vascular access point (arteriovenous fistula or graft) into the dialyzer, where it is cleaned and returned to the body. Hemodialysis sessions typically last several hours and are usually performed multiple times per week.
In peritoneal dialysis, the patient's peritoneum (a membrane in the abdomen) acts as a natural filter. A dialysis solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, and waste products diffuse from the blood vessels into the solution. The solution is then drained out, along with the waste products, and replaced with fresh dialysate.
Dr. Manjitpal Singh is a visionary nephrologist with a legacy of academic excellence and compassionate patient care.
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