How many Types of Dialysis?

Our kidneys perform the crucial function of filtering out the waste and excess fluid from our body. Then this waste is further sent to the bladder for being eliminated by our body when we urinate. If in case the kidney fails and become unable to perform their function the doctors may recommend conducting the dialysis procedure. This procedure is mainly used as the last resort for helping the patients to live. Through this article, we will discuss everything about dialysis you need to know including the kinds of dialysis.

What is the dialysis and why it is used?

Dialysis is a medical procedure that is used to perform the function of the kidneys if they’ve failed. The end-stage of the kidneys condition is said to occur when the kidneys are performing at only 10 to 15 per cent of their normal function.

Apart from preventing the accumulation of the extra water, waste, and other impurities in your body the kidneys work by controlling the blood pressure and regulating the levels of chemical elements in the blood. As a result of the injury when the kidneys are unable to perform these functions the dialysis can perform this functions and help to keep the body running as normally as possible. However, as far as the permanent solution is concerned dialysis cannot be used as the sole treatment option.

Types of Dialysis

There are mainly two types of dialysis that can be used to provide relief to the patient. Below we have discussed both of them completely-

Read more posts: - How dialysis can assist patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?

Hemodialysis

Out of the two options, this is a more common option. With this dialysis procedure, the blood is filtered through a machine outside the patient’s body. During the procedure, the blood is removed from the patient’s body and filtered through the artificial kidney. Further, the filtered blood is then returned to the body with the help of a dialysis machine.

For making the blood flow to the artificial kidney an surgery will be performed by the doctor to create an entrance point (vascular access) into your blood vessels. This procedure lasts for about the total period of three to four hours and is required to be performed for three times per week. But if the patient requires more frequent sessions the hemodialysis treatment can also be completed in a shorter duration. This is a critical procedure thus it is often performed at the hospital, doctor’s office, or dialysis centre. However, in the case of extended hemodialysis sessions the doctor if deems fit can allow for dialysis treatments at home.

Peritoneal dialysis

This is another dialysis procedure in which through a surgical procedure a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter is inserted into your abdomen. This catheter performs the function of filtering the blood through the peritoneum, a membrane in your abdomen. In the procedure of treatment, the special fluid called dialysate flows into the peritoneum for absorbing waste. After that, the waste is drained from your abdomen.

There are different kinds of peritoneal dialysis that can be used. However, the main ones are as follows-

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)- In this procedure, the abdomen is filled and drained for multiple numbers of times. Further, for this, no machine is required but it is required to be performed when a patient is awake.
  • Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)- This is dialysis method in which machine is used to continuously move the fluid in and out of your abdomen. This procedure is usually performed when the patient is asleep at night.
  • Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD)- In this procedure similar kind of machine is used as the machine in CCPD, but the process takes longer.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from kidney condition connect with the best nephrologist who will suggest the best-suited dialysis procedure for you.