Timing

Daily 6:00pm - 8:00pm
On Prior Appointments Only

AGRA KIDNEY & ANDROLOGY CENTER

UG-04, 1st Floor Ram Raghu Plaza,
Church Road, Civil Lines, Agra

Dialysis Treatment for Kidney Failure

When kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood, a life-sustaining treatment called **dialysis** becomes necessary. Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney, taking over essential functions to keep the body in balance. It is a critical therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute kidney injury (AKI).

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products (like urea, creatinine, and excess salts) and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys fail. This process helps to restore proper chemical balance in the body, prevent complications from fluid overload and toxin buildup, and significantly improve a patient's quality of life.

When is Dialysis Needed?

Dialysis is typically initiated when kidney function has deteriorated to a critical level, usually when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls below 15 mL/min/1.73 m², indicating **end-stage renal disease (ESRD)**. It may also be needed for acute kidney injury (AKI) if severe imbalances or fluid overload develop rapidly. Common indicators include:

  • Severe fluid overload leading to shortness of breath (pulmonary edema).
  • High levels of waste products (uremia) causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion.
  • Dangerous electrolyte imbalances (e.g., high potassium, severe acidosis).
  • Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining).
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Types of Dialysis

There are two primary types of dialysis:

1. Hemodialysis (HD)

Hemodialysis involves using an artificial kidney machine (dialyzer) to filter your blood outside your body. Blood is drawn from your body, passed through the dialyzer, and then returned, cleaned, to your body.

  • How it works: Your blood flows through a filter that contains thin fibers. A special fluid called dialysate flows in the opposite direction on the other side of the fibers. Waste products and excess fluid pass from your blood, across the fibers, and into the dialysate, which is then discarded.
  • Access: Requires surgical creation of an access point for blood flow. This can be an Arteriovenous (AV) fistula (preferred long-term), an AV graft, or a central venous catheter (temporary).
  • Frequency: Most commonly performed 3 times a week, for 3-4 hours per session, typically in a dialysis center. Home hemodialysis is also an option, offering more flexibility.
  • Pros: Highly effective, in-center option provides medical supervision.
  • Cons: Requires frequent trips to a center, can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, and blood pressure drops during sessions.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A sterile cleansing fluid (dialysate) is introduced into your peritoneal cavity through a surgically placed catheter. The peritoneum's rich blood supply allows waste products and excess fluid to pass from your blood into the dialysate, which is then drained and discarded.

  • How it works: The dialysate dwells in your abdomen for several hours, absorbing waste. This "exchange" process is repeated multiple times a day.
  • Types:
    • Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): Manual exchanges performed by the patient (or caregiver) usually 3-5 times a day.
    • Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): A machine (cycler) performs exchanges automatically overnight while you sleep.
  • Access: Requires a permanent catheter surgically placed in the abdomen.
  • Frequency: Performed daily, either manually throughout the day or automatically overnight.
  • Pros: Can be done at home, offers more flexibility and independence, often gentler on the body, preserves residual kidney function longer.
  • Cons: Requires daily commitment, risk of peritonitis (infection of the peritoneum), storage of supplies at home.

Preparing for Dialysis

Choosing the right dialysis modality is a crucial decision made in consultation with your nephrologist. If dialysis is anticipated, preparations often include:

  • **Access Creation:** Surgically creating an AV fistula or placing a PD catheter well in advance allows time for healing before dialysis begins.
  • **Education:** Understanding the chosen modality, its routine, potential complications, and lifestyle adjustments.
  • **Dietary Counseling:** Learning about specific dietary restrictions (e.g., potassium, phosphorus, sodium, fluid intake) that are essential for managing ESRD.

Living with Dialysis

While dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, it also requires significant lifestyle adjustments. Patients on dialysis need to adhere to strict dietary and fluid restrictions, take prescribed medications, and attend regular treatment sessions (for HD) or perform daily exchanges (for PD). Regular follow-ups with your nephrologist and a multidisciplinary team (dietitian, social worker) are vital for managing your health and well-being.

Expert Dialysis Care with Dr. Samridhi Gupta:

Navigating kidney failure and choosing the right dialysis treatment can be overwhelming. Dr. Samridhi Gupta, a highly experienced consultant nephrologist in Agra, provides comprehensive pre-dialysis counseling, guides patients through the choice of modality, oversees access creation, and offers ongoing, compassionate management for both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Her goal is to ensure you receive the best possible care, tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle, maximizing your comfort and quality of life.

Considering Dialysis or Need Expert Kidney Care?

Make an informed decision about your kidney health. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Samridhi Gupta for personalized advice and comprehensive treatment options.

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