Kidney dialysis is a medical procedure that acts as a substitute for many normal functions of the kidneys. Kidney dialysis allows individuals a chance to live productive lives, even though their kidneys no longer work capably. Patients having chronic kidney diseases may also need kidney dialysis.
Kidney dialysis is medically termed as haemodialysis. This procedure is helpful to carry out many functionalities that your kidneys performs naturally. Such functionalities include:
In haemodialysis, a hemodialyzer (works as an artificial kidney) is used to eliminate waste products and extra chemicals and fluids from your blood. In order to provide your blood to this machine, your doctor needs to make an access into your blood vessels. This is done by creating minor incisions in your arm or leg.
Sometimes, an access is made by connecting an artery to a vein under your skin to make a larger blood vessel called as fistula. However, if your blood vessels are inadequate for a fistula, your doctor may use a soft, flexible plastic tube to join an artery and a vein under your skin. This is called as a graft.
At some occasions, an access is made by means of narrow plastic tube, called catheter, which is inserted into a large vein of your neck. This type of access may be used for long-term kidney dialysis treatment.
The time required for kidney dialysis treatment depends on:
Haemodialysis treatment usually lasts about four hours. It is carried out three times a week. Consult your doctor to know about appropriate treatment for you.