Dialysis procedures for kidney failure are performed when the kidneys are no longer functioning properly to filter toxins and metabolic wastes from the body. This procedure is also known as dialysis and is performed with the help of a special machine.
Kidneys are a pair of organs that work by cleaning the blood, removing waste, and removing excess fluid from the body. The feces and fluid are then drained into the bladder to be excreted as urine.
However, for some conditions, the kidneys may experience interference so that they are no longer able to carry out their functions properly or it is also called kidney failure. This of course has an impact on the condition of the body as a whole.
Well, one way to deal with kidney failure is dialysis. Dialysis for kidney failure aims to replace damaged kidney function.
Conditions that Need Dialysis
When the kidneys are unable to carry out their functions, there will be a buildup of waste, toxins, and fluids in the body. This condition is generally experienced by people with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
If the kidney function is lost as much as 85–90 percent, then the patient is required to do dialysis to avoid various life-threatening complications.
However, before dialysis for kidney failure is carried out, an examination from a doctor and a series of medical tests is needed to determine whether or not someone needs to do the procedure.
There are several things that become benchmarks, namely creatinine and urea levels in the blood, the speed at which the kidneys filter blood, the body's ability to deal with excess water, and certain complaints that refer to heart, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Dialysis Method for Kidney Failure
In carrying out the dialysis process, there are two methods that can be chosen, namely hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is the most widely known dialysis procedure for kidney failure. Hemodialysis is performed using a special machine to filter the blood and replace damaged kidneys.
In this dialysis process, medical personnel will insert a needle into a vein to connect blood flow from the body to a dialysis machine. After that, dirty blood will be filtered by a blood washing machine. Once filtered, clean blood will be flowed back into the body.
The hemodialysis procedure usually takes about 4 hours per session and is performed at least 3 sessions a week. This procedure can only be done at a dialysis clinic or hospital.
Side effects that usually appear after undergoing hemodialysis are itchy skin and muscle cramps.
Peritoneal dialysis or CAPD (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis)
This dialysis method uses the peritoneum or the lining in the abdominal cavity as a filter. The peritoneum has thousands of tiny blood vessels that function like the kidneys.
The procedure is performed by making a small incision near the navel as an entrance for a special tube or catheter. The catheter will be placed in the abdominal cavity permanently. Its function is to enter the dialysate fluid.
As blood passes through the blood vessels that line the peritoneal cavity, waste products and excess fluid are drawn out of the blood and into the dialysate.
After completion, the dialysate fluid that already contains residual substances is flowed into a special bag which is then discarded. The dialysate fluid is then replaced with a new one.
The advantage of the dialysis process with this method is that it can be done at home, anytime, and is usually done when the patient with kidney failure is sleeping. However, this method has to be done 4 times a day and takes about 30 minutes.
Side effects that can arise in the form of peritonitis, the stomach feels full when dialysis takes place, weight gain because the dialysate fluid contains high sugar levels, or the appearance of a hernia due to the weight of the fluid in the abdominal cavity.
The Impact of Dialysis on the Lives of Patients with Kidney Failure
Although dialysis does not cause kidney failure sufferers to feel pain or discomfort, some of them may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, cramps, decreased blood pressure, fatigue, and dry or itchy skin.
Although the things above can be felt, but the dialysis procedure does not interfere with the activities of people with kidney disorders. Many patients who do dialysis still have a good quality of life. They can still work or continue their education.
Dialysis is also not an obstacle to doing various activities, such as swimming, exercising, driving, or even taking a vacation, especially if there are no complaints after undergoing the dialysis process.
The dialysis process is a form of help against kidney damage. In patients with kidney failure, dialysis can also control blood pressure and regulate mineral and electrolyte levels in the body.
Because of the importance of kidney function for life, you need to maintain it by living a healthy lifestyle and routinely doing kidney function checks to monitor kidney conditions.
If you experience complaints related to kidney problems, immediately consult a doctor so that an examination can be carried out. From the results of these examinations, the doctor can determine whether dialysis procedure for kidney failure is the right treatment, according to your condition.