In case of kidney failure, dialysis is the procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys have stopped working properly.
Your kidneys will filter your blood, removing harmful waste products and excess fluid, and turning them into urine to be passed out of the body. When you develop end-stage kidney failure, you’ll need dialysis. By then you’ve probably lost about 85-90% of your kidney function and have a GFR of <15. Dialysis often involves diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.
In case of kidney failure such as advanced chronic kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to clean the blood properly. Waste products and fluids can build up to dangerous levels in your body. If left untreated, this can cause unpleasant symptoms and eventual death. Dialysis will filter out unwanted substances and fluids from the blood before this happens. People who have kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), may need dialysis. Also, injuries and conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and lupus can damage kidneys, leading to kidney disease. Kidney failure can happen over time or come on suddenly (acute) after a severe illness or injury. Acute kidney failure could go away as you recover. Kidney disease has 5 stages. If you are at stage 5, you may be experiencing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. At this point, kidneys are carrying out around 10% to 15% of their normal function. You may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Some people undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant.
Dialysis is a medical procedure that performs the function of the kidneys when they are no longer able to work effectively. The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood, helping to regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production. When the kidneys fail, due to conditions such as chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury, dialysis can be used to perform these essential tasks.
There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves circulating the patient’s blood through a machine called a dialyzer or artificial kidney. The dialyzer has a semi-permeable membrane that allows waste products and excess fluids to pass out of the blood and into a dialysate solution. This cleaned blood is then returned to the patient’s body.
Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, uses the patient’s own body as the dialyzer. A catheter is surgically placed in the abdomen, and a special fluid called dialysate is infused into the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, acts as a semi-permeable membrane, allowing waste products and excess fluid to pass from the blood into the dialysate. The dialysate is then drained from the abdomen, removing the waste products and excess fluid from the body.
The cost for dialysis treatment may vary based on the patient's specific surgical needs, surgeons' fees, way of treatment, and hospital fees.
Your survival rate on dialysis may vary based on your overall medical condition and how well the treatment works for you. The average life expectancy on dialysis is 5-10 years, but, many patients have lived well on dialysis for 20, even 30 years.
Dialysis has 3 main types: in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. Each type of dialysis has its pros and cons, but you don’t need to feel locked into any of them, since you can always change your dialysis treatment.
Dialysis is the treatment for failing kidneys. When the kidneys fail, they won’t filter blood the way they should. This results in wastes and toxins building up in the bloodstream. Dialysis will do the work of your kidneys, by removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
In some cases, kidneys may start working again within several weeks or months after the cause of acute kidney failure has been treated. But keep in mind, that dialysis is needed until then.
Dialysis can be a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure, but it is not without its challenges. It requires a significant time commitment, with hemodialysis typically performed three times a week for about four hours at a time, and peritoneal dialysis performed daily. It can also come with side effects such as low blood pressure, infection, and fatigue.
The kidneys are vital organs in the human body with several important functions. They are bean-shaped structures, each about the size of a fist, located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage.
One of the primary roles of the kidneys is to filter waste products, toxins, and excess substances from the blood. Every day, the kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine. This urine contains wastes and extra fluid, which are removed from the body through the urinary system.
The kidneys also play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate, are minerals that carry an electric charge and are essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function. The kidneys help regulate the levels of these electrolytes in the body.
In addition to waste removal and electrolyte balance, the kidneys also regulate the body’s fluid balance. They adjust the volume and composition of body fluids by either reabsorbing water back into the blood or excreting it as urine.
Another important function of the kidneys is the production of hormones. They produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. They also produce renin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure, and they convert vitamin D into its active form, which aids in calcium absorption and bone health.
Hemodialysis is a type of dialysis, a medical procedure that performs the function of the kidneys when they are unable to do so effectively. Hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat advanced and permanent kidney failure. It involves circulating the patient’s blood outside of the body through a machine known as a dialyzer or an artificial kidney.
The dialyzer is a special filter that removes waste products, excess substances, and fluid from the blood. The cleaned blood is then returned to the patient’s body. This process helps to control blood pressure and balance important minerals in the blood, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium.
Hemodialysis is typically performed in a dialysis center or hospital by trained healthcare professionals. Each session lasts about four hours, and patients usually require three sessions per week. However, the frequency and duration can vary depending on the patient’s health condition and the doctor’s recommendations.
While hemodialysis can significantly improve the quality of life for people with kidney failure, it does come with challenges. It requires a significant time commitment, which can impact the patient’s lifestyle. Potential side effects include low blood pressure, anemia, bone diseases, high blood pressure, and depression. It’s also possible for the access site where the blood is removed and returned to become infected or blocked.
Despite these challenges, advancements in technology and treatment strategies have made hemodialysis safer and more efficient over the years. For instance, the development of new dialyzer membranes and advances in machine technology have improved the effectiveness of hemodialysis.
For some, kidney failure may be a temporary problem and dialysis can be stopped as the kidneys recover. But more often, those with kidney failure will need to have a kidney transplant. Since a kidney transplant isn’t always available as needed, dialysis may be needed until a suitable donor kidney becomes available. If you are not well enough to have a major operation, you may need dialysis for the rest of your life.
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Muscle cramps
Itching
Sleep problems
Anemia
Bone diseases
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Fluid overload
Patients usually report post-dialysis recovery time between 2-4 hours, while some report a 6-hour recovery.
Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who suffer kidney failure and need dialysis.
In Iran, two main types of dialysis are commonly performed: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.
Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis in Iran, with a high rate of therapy (96%). In this procedure, the patient’s blood is circulated outside of the body through a machine known as a dialyzer or an artificial kidney. The dialyzer is a special filter that removes waste products, excess substances, and fluid from the blood. The cleaned blood is then returned to the patient’s body.
Peritoneal Dialysis is used by a smaller percentage of patients (4%). In this type of dialysis, a catheter is surgically placed in the abdomen, and a special fluid called dialysate is infused into the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, acts as a semi-permeable membrane, allowing waste products and excess fluid to pass from the blood into the dialysate. The dialysate is then drained from the abdomen, removing the waste products and excess fluid from the body.
The choice between these types of dialysis depends on many factors, including the specific disease, the patient’s overall health, and the doctor’s recommendations. Despite the high cost of Peritoneal Dialysis, due to its greater effectiveness, it is recommended that policymakers pursue a strategy to increase the use of Peritoneal Dialysis among End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients.
In Iran, the process of dialysis, specifically hemodialysis, is a well-structured and organized procedure that involves several steps before, during, and after the treatment.
Before Dialysis: Before the dialysis session, patients undergo a comprehensive health assessment to evaluate their current health status and to ensure they are fit for the procedure. This includes checking vital signs, reviewing medical history, and assessing the vascular access site for any signs of infection or blockage. Patients are also educated about the procedure, its benefits, and potential risks.
During Dialysis: The dialysis session typically lasts about four hours. During this time, the patient’s blood is circulated outside of the body through a machine known as a dialyzer or an artificial kidney. The dialyzer filters out waste products, excess substances, and fluid from the blood. The cleaned blood is then returned to the patient’s body. Throughout the session, healthcare professionals monitor the patient’s vital signs and the dialysis machine to ensure the procedure is going smoothly.
After Dialysis: Following the dialysis session, patients are monitored for any immediate post-dialysis complications such as low blood pressure, muscle cramps, or fatigue. The vascular access site is checked for any signs of bleeding or infection. Patients are also given dietary and fluid intake advice based on their individual needs and the results of their dialysis sessions.
In Iran, the dialysis program is unique as it allows payments for kidney donors, which has helped effectively eliminate the country’s kidney transplant waiting list since 1999.
Dialysis, a life-sustaining treatment for people with kidney failure, has both benefits and risks. On the positive side, dialysis can extend the lives of individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood, which are normally eliminated by healthy kidneys. This process helps to control blood pressure and maintain the balance of electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, in the body. Dialysis can also alleviate symptoms associated with kidney failure, including fatigue, weakness, and swelling. It can improve the overall quality of life, allowing patients to continue working, studying, and participating in their favorite activities.
However, dialysis is not without risks. It is a time-consuming process that requires a significant commitment from the patient. Hemodialysis, the most common type of dialysis, typically requires three sessions per week, each lasting about four hours. This can be physically and emotionally draining, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. Dialysis can also cause physical side effects, including low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and infection. Long-term dialysis can lead to additional health problems, such as anemia, bone disease, and heart disease. Furthermore, while dialysis can prolong life, it does not cure kidney disease or fully replace kidney function. Some patients may still experience a decline in their health over time.
In conclusion, the decision to start dialysis should be made after careful consideration of both the benefits and risks. It is important for patients to have open and honest discussions with their healthcare team about their treatment options, including dialysis and kidney transplantation. By understanding the potential advantages and disadvantages of dialysis, patients can make informed decisions about their care that align with their personal values and goals for their health and quality of life. Ultimately, the goal of dialysis, like all medical treatments, is to enhance the patient’s well-being and support them in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life.
After a dialysis session, patients are closely monitored for any immediate post-dialysis complications. These can include symptoms like low blood pressure, muscle cramps, or fatigue. The vascular access site, where the blood is removed and returned, is checked for any signs of bleeding or infection.
Patients are also given dietary and fluid intake advice based on their individual needs and the results of their dialysis sessions. This personalized advice helps patients manage their condition effectively and avoid complications related to their diet or fluid intake.
In addition to the physical recovery, the psychological aspect of recovery is also crucial.
In conclusion, the recovery process after dialysis in Iran involves careful monitoring, personalized advice, and psychological support. It’s a comprehensive approach that takes into account the physical and emotional well-being of the patient. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Iran is committed to providing high-quality care to dialysis patients, helping them lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
