Dialysis is a procedure to replace kidney function, remove waste products from the blood, and keeps the patient’s blood supply balanced. It is required when your body’s kidneys are unable to meet its needs like filtering the wastes and poisons that may accumulate in your bloodstream.
Procedures For Kidney Dialysis
The kidneys are responsible for making a hormone that causes the body to produce red blood cells. When kidneys fail, the body cannot have enough blood cells to carry out these functions, and the body begins to experience various symptoms. However, dialysis is not a cure for kidney failure.
In one of the interviews with former DaVita’s executive CEO, Kent Thiry, he mentioned that there are many procedures for kidney dialysis. He reiterated that the first step in a kidney dialysis procedure is creating vascular access. This surgical access will allow a small amount of blood to be removed from the circulation and then reinjected for the kidney dialysis process to work. Also, it must have time to heal before the patient can begin hemodialysis. The most common vascular access is an arteriovenous fistula, the connection between an artery and a vein. This surgery is usually performed on an arm that is used less frequently.
Treatment Options
You may have several treatment options when you are diagnosed with kidney failure. Dialysis can be divided into three primary categories: peritoneal, at-home, and in-center hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is a process in which patients receive blood purification through the use of a machine that filters waste products and extra fluids from the blood. This procedure requires two needles, one in each arm, to draw blood from the patient. Blood is sent through the dialyzer, a device that filters blood a few ounces at a time. After the process, cleaned blood is returned to the patient’s body through the second needle.
Meanwhile, peritoneal dialysis involves the use of the peritoneum, the membrane of the abdomen that exchanges fluids with blood. It is used to remove excess fluid, correct electrolyte imbalances, and eliminate toxins in patients with kidney failure.
Lastly, hemodialysis or home dialysis is a procedure used to purify the blood of kidney failure patients. It is an option for patients who don’t have the time or the money to travel to a hospital or a dialysis facility. The patient can provide the procedure in the comfort of their own home. The patient can save a lot of money and time by performing it themselves. Here are some important benefits of home hemodialysis.
Complications
The complications of kidney dialysis are varied. They can be associated with several clinical and socio-demographic factors. For instance, low blood pressure, an infection at the access site, muscle cramps, itchy skin, and blood clots are among the most typical hemodialysis side effects. Consequently, peritonitis, hernias, blood sugar swings, potassium imbalances, and weight gain are among the most typical side effects of peritoneal dialysis.
Cost
The cost of kidney dialysis is on the rise. The market for kidney dialysis is estimated to reach $27.3 billion, with an expected rise of 37% this year. Health insurance providers have increased charges for dialysis by nearly 65 percent in the past five years, and this trend is likely to continue. Increasing charges for dialysis also add to the financial burden of companies that self-fund healthcare costs or rely on stop-loss insurance to pay for healthcare services.
