Flushing Kidneys: Hospital Procedure Explained

When kidneys are not functioning properly, waste products and excess fluid can build up in the blood, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms and even death if left untreated. One way to address this is through dialysis, a procedure that filters waste and fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. Dialysis can be performed in a few different ways, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves diverting blood to a machine outside the body that filters it, while peritoneal dialysis involves surgically inserting a catheter into the abdomen to facilitate the process. While dialysis is a common treatment for kidney failure, it is not a cure and does come with certain risks. Kidney transplants are another treatment option for kidney failure, but they are not always immediately available.

Dialysis filters waste and fluid from blood

Dialysis is a treatment for people with kidney failure. It involves filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both types perform the duties of failing kidneys by filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Hemodialysis uses a machine to clean the blood and then returns the filtered blood to the body. During the procedure, a tube is attached to a needle in the patient's arm. Blood passes along the tube and into an external machine that filters it, and it is then passed back into the arm along another tube. At dialysis centres, this is usually carried out three days a week, with each session lasting around three to four hours. It can also be done at home, with sessions ranging from three to eight hours, three to seven days a week.

Peritoneal dialysis involves surgically inserting a permanent soft tube (catheter) into the patient's abdomen. Fluid is pumped into the peritoneal cavity through the catheter. As blood passes through the blood vessels lining the peritoneal cavity, waste products and excess fluid are drawn out of the blood and into the dialysis fluid. The used fluid is then drained and replaced with fresh fluid. This process usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes and needs to be repeated around four times a day.

Dialysis cannot cure end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure. Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, kidney failure is fatal. However, it is not always possible to carry out a kidney transplant immediately, so dialysis may be necessary until a suitable donor kidney becomes available.

Dialysis is needed when kidneys fail

Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. When the kidneys are not functioning as they should, harmful waste products and excess fluid can build up in the body. This can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms and can eventually be fatal if left untreated.

Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney, filtering blood to remove these waste products and excess fluids. There are two main types of dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Haemodialysis involves diverting blood to an external machine that filters it, while peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum, a membrane in the abdomen containing thousands of tiny blood vessels, as a natural filtering device. A soft tube called a catheter is inserted into the abdomen to pump in fluid, allowing waste and excess fluid to be drawn out of the blood and into the dialysis fluid. The used fluid is then drained and replaced with fresh fluid.

Dialysis is a frequent and time-consuming process, and it is not a cure for kidney disease or kidney failure. However, it is lifesaving, as it can help manage the condition until a kidney transplant can be performed. Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, kidney failure can be fatal. While dialysis can be challenging and impact a person's routine, many people on dialysis can continue to work and maintain a regular schedule.

The choice between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis depends on various factors, including the patient's lifestyle and preferences. Both types of dialysis have risks, including an increased risk of infection. It is important for patients to discuss the options with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.

Peritoneal dialysis involves inserting a tube in the abdomen

Dialysis is a treatment for people with failing kidneys, which involves filtering waste and fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. There are two main types of dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis involves inserting a soft tube, called a catheter, into the abdomen.

Before peritoneal dialysis treatment can begin, a surgeon will insert a catheter into the patient's abdomen. This involves making a small incision near the patient's belly button, through which the catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity. The catheter is then left to permanently attach to the abdomen, and the incision is left to heal for a few weeks.

Once the incision has healed, the patient can begin peritoneal dialysis treatment. This involves pumping dialysis fluid (also called dialysate) into the peritoneal cavity through the catheter. The dialysis fluid absorbs waste products and excess fluid from the blood passing through the blood vessels lining the peritoneal cavity. After a few hours, the dialysis fluid, now containing the waste products and excess fluid, is drained out of the abdomen into a bag, which can then be thrown away.

Peritoneal dialysis can be performed by hand or with a machine. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is performed by hand and takes around 40 minutes, with three to five sessions required each day. Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) uses a machine called a cycler to fill and drain the abdomen while the patient sleeps. APD is usually performed for eight to 12 hours each night.

Haemodialysis involves diverting blood to a machine

Haemodialysis, also known as hemodialysis, is a treatment for people with failing or failed kidneys. It involves diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.

During haemodialysis, a dialysis nurse or technician places two needles into the patient's arm. Each needle is attached to a soft tube that is then connected to the dialysis machine. The dialysis machine pumps blood through a filter, called a dialyzer, and returns the blood to the body. The dialyzer is sometimes referred to as an "artificial kidney".

The dialyzer contains a series of membranes that act as filters and a special liquid called dialysate. The membranes filter waste products from the blood, which are then passed into the dialysate fluid. The used dialysate fluid is pumped out of the dialyzer, and the filtered blood is returned to the body through the second needle.

Haemodialysis is typically carried out three days a week, with each session lasting around three to four hours. It can be done in a hospital or at home. Home hemodialysis allows for longer or more frequent dialysis sessions, which can come closer to replacing the work of healthy kidneys.

Haemodialysis is a very effective treatment for clearing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. However, it does not fully replace all of the kidney's functions and is therefore not considered a cure for kidney failure. It is usually a lifelong treatment unless a kidney transplant can be performed.

Dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease

Dialysis is a treatment for people with failing kidneys. When a person has kidney failure, their kidneys do not filter blood as they should, resulting in a buildup of toxins and waste in the bloodstream. Dialysis does the work of the kidneys by removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood. However, it is important to note that dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease. Here are some reasons why:

• Dialysis is not a permanent solution: Dialysis can help manage kidney failure and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but it is not a cure. Unless a person receives a kidney transplant, they will need dialysis for the rest of their life. Dialysis only performs some of the functions of healthy kidneys, such as removing waste and extra fluids, and it does not fully replace all the kidney's functions.
• It does not address the underlying cause: Dialysis treats the symptoms of kidney disease but does not address the underlying cause. Kidney disease can be caused by various factors, including other medical conditions, and dialysis does not stop or reverse the progression of kidney failure. In fact, dialysis can sometimes accelerate the deterioration of kidney function.
• It is a frequent and time-consuming process: Dialysis is often required multiple times a week, with each session lasting several hours. This can significantly impact a person's quality of life, as it may feel like dialysis is taking control of their life and interfering with their normal activities.
• It has associated risks and side effects: Both types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, come with risks and side effects. Hemodialysis may lead to poor blood flow, scar tissue formation, or blood clots. Peritoneal dialysis increases the risk of peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum) and can weaken abdominal muscles over time. Dialysis also increases the risk of infection for both types.
• It may not be suitable for everyone: Dialysis may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with other medical conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or dementia. In some cases, dialysis could even worsen the symptoms of these conditions. Additionally, individuals have the right to refuse dialysis if they feel it will not benefit them or align with their personal beliefs.

While dialysis is a lifesaving treatment that can help manage kidney failure and ESKD, it is not a cure for kidney disease. It is a frequent and time-consuming process that requires ongoing commitment and comes with certain risks and limitations. For these reasons, dialysis is not a permanent solution, and a kidney transplant may be necessary for long-term management of kidney disease.

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