Dialysis: Types, Frequency, and Purpose for Kidney Disease Treatment

Dialysis

a procedure to remove waste products from the blood of patients whose kidneys no longer function

Dialysis is a medical treatment used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. It is usually required for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

There are two main types of dialysis – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves the use of a machine, called a dialysis machine, that removes blood from the body, filters it through a membrane, and then returns it to the body, while peritoneal dialysis involves the use of the patient’s own abdominal lining, called the peritoneum, as a filter.

The choice of dialysis method depends on various factors such as the patient’s health condition, lifestyle, and preferences. Dialysis is usually performed three to four times a week, with each session lasting about three to four hours, although the frequency and duration may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs.

The aim of dialysis is to maintain the proper balance of fluids and chemicals in the body by removing waste products that the kidneys can no longer eliminate. Dialysis can help alleviate some symptoms of kidney failure, such as fluid overload, high blood pressure, and high levels of certain chemicals in the blood.

Although dialysis can be very effective at keeping the body in balance, it is not a cure for kidney disease. Kidney transplant is the only permanent solution to end-stage renal disease.

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