According to reports, approximately 786,000 Americans live with end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD), of which about 71% are on dialysis.
Dialysis is a life-saving procedure for those who have completely lost their normal kidney function. While dialysis is a commonly known term, many people are unaware of what it entails and how it works.
So, whether you or your loved one are currently undergoing dialysis or just curious about dialysis procedures, this article will help you learn what dialysis is, how it works, and where you can find the best kidney care center in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Dialysis: What It Is?
Dialysis is a treatment for those who have kidney failure. Kidney failure is when your kidneys don’t filter the blood the way they should; as a result, metabolic wastes and toxins build up to a dangerous level in your blood. This results in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and, eventually, death.
Dialysis does the work for your failed kidneys, meaning this mimics the function of the kidneys, removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body.
You may stay on dialysis indefinitely or just until you get a matching kidney donor for a kidney transplant.
How Dialysis Works?
Dialysis can be done in two ways: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. It can be done at home and in a hospital or dialysis center. Your kidney doctor will review your option and find best type for you.
Hemodialysis: How It Works?
Hemodialysis is a type of dialysis in which a machine removes the blood from your body, passes it through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) where it is filtered, and then returns the filtered blood to your body.
Hemodialysis can be done at home or ata dialysis center and take about 3-5 hours. For the dialysis, your surgeon connects an artery and vein in your arm, making an arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula). If needed, they may use a graft to connect the artery and vein, called an arteriovenous graft. The AV fistula or AV graft allows easier access to the bloodstream.
In some cases, the doctor may insert a catheter into the vein in your leg, chest, or neck for temporary access.
During dialysis, the dialysis machine removes blood from the needle in your arm and circulates it through the dialyzer filter. The dialyzer filter moves the waste of the blood into the dialysis solution, a cleansing liquid containing water, salt, and other additives.
Once the blood is filtered, it is sent back into your body through a different needle.
Peritoneal Dialysis: How it Works?
In this type of dialysis, the tiny blood vessels of the peritoneum (abdominal lining) filter the blood with the help of the dialyzing solution. Peritoneal dialysis can be done in two ways: automated peritoneal dialysis (uses a machine) and continuous ambulatory dialysis (takes place manually).
For peritoneal dialysis, a catheter is inserted into the peritoneum, where it stays permanently. During the dialysis, the patient connects the catheter to one branch of the Y-shaped tube. The tube connects to a bag containing dialysis solution. The fluid flows through the tube into the peritoneum cavity.
The tube is disconnected from the catheter when the bag is empty – this takes approximately 10 minutes –and the catheter is capped off.
After this, the dialysis solution inside the peritoneal cavity filters the blood (absorbs the waste from the blood). After 60 to 90 minutes, the cap from the catheter is removed, and the other branch of the Y-shaped tube drains the fluid into an empty bag. The patient can repeat this process at least four times a day.
With an automated method, the cycler machine pumps blood in and out of the body. This is mostly done at night while the patient sleeps.
Dialysis Center in Southeastern Massachusetts
Are you looking for a reputable facility for the treatment of your kidney disease?Look no further. At Associates in Nephrology, we have experienced and compassionate kidney doctors who can diagnose and successfully treat your kidney disease. Should you need dialysis, our board-certified nephrologist can also recommend the best dialysis type for you until you get a new kidney.
Want to make an appointment? Call us today at our location convenient to you or fill out our online contact form.
