Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Heres what happens during each type:
Hemodialysis:
- Before hemodialysis can start, a blood vessel called an arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) is created in the arm to connect an artery to a vein.
- During the procedure, a tube is attached to a needle in the arm, and blood is sent across a special filter, called a dialyzer, which removes harmful substances from the blood.
- The dialysis machine pumps blood through the filter and returns the clean blood to the body.
- During the process, the dialysis machine checks the patients blood pressure and controls how quickly blood flows through the filter and how much fluid is removed from the body.
- Each session lasts three to four hours, and patients usually visit a special center for dialysis about three times a week.
- Hemodialysis is not painful, but patients may feel a bit sick and dizzy and have muscle cramps during the procedure due to the rapid changes in blood fluid levels.
Peritoneal dialysis:
- During peritoneal dialysis, dialysis fluid is pumped into the space inside the abdomen to draw out waste products from the blood passing through vessels lining the inside of the abdomen.
- The dialysis fluid contains water, salt, and other additives, and it flows through a catheter that is connected to a bag.
- After about 10 minutes, the fluid is drained out of the abdomen and discarded.
- This process is repeated several times a day, and patients can perform peritoneal dialysis at home after being taught by a healthcare provider.
In both types of dialysis, patients may experience side effects such as muscle cramps, low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, or nausea. After the dialysis session, the needles are removed, and a plaster is applied to prevent bleeding. Patients may need to make changes in their work or home life, giving up some activities and responsibilities.
