Kidney Failure Treatments
What is Kidney Dialysis?
Hemodialysis is a treatment that does some of the things done by healthy kidneys. It is needed when your own kidneys can no longer take care of your body's needs
When is Hemodialysis Needed?
You need dialysis when you develop end stage kidney failure — usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 percent of your kidney function. You may have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, swelling and fatigue. However, even if you don't have these symptoms yet, you can still have a high level of wastes in your blood that may be toxic to your body. Your doctor is the best person to tell you when you should start dialysis.
What Does Hemodialysis Do?
Like healthy kidneys, dialysis keeps your body in balance. Hemodialysis does the following:
- Removes waste, salt and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body
- Keeps a safe level of certain chemicals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate
- Helps to control blood pressure
How Long Do Hemodialysis Treatments Last?
Usually, each hemodialysis treatment lasts about four hours and is done three times per week.
The time needed for your dialysis depends on:
- How well your kidneys work
- How much fluid weight you gain between treatments
- How much waste you have in your body
- Your size
- The type of artificial kidney used
Where is Hemodialysis Done?
Dialysis can be done in a dialysis unit or at home. You and your doctor will decide which place is best, based on your medical condition and preference.
What is Peritoneal Dialysis and How Does It Work?
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) allows your blood to be cleaned inside your body. The doctor will do surgery to place a plastic tube called a catheter into your abdomen (belly) to make an access. During the treatment, your abdominal area (called the peritoneal cavity) is slowly filled with dialysate through the catheter. The blood stays in the arteries and veins that line your peritoneal cavity. Extra fluid and waste products are drawn out of your blood and into the dialysate. PD allows for convenience in that it can be done at home.
Is Kidney Failure Permanent?
Not always. Some kinds of acute kidney failure get better after treatment. In some cases of acute kidney failure, dialysis may only be needed for a short time until the kidneys get better. In chronic or end-stage kidney failure, your kidneys do not get better and you will need dialysis for the rest of your life. If your doctor says you are a candidate, you may choose to be placed on a waiting list for a new kidney.
Kidney Failure Treatments
What treatments are available for kidney failure?
When your kidneys fail, treatment is needed to replace the work your own kidneys can no longer do. There are two types of treatment for kidney failure - dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal) or kidney transplant surgery.
What is the Best Kidney Failure Treatment for Me?
You should consider many things when choosing a treatment for kidney failure, including your lifestyle, your age, any other health problems you may have, and whether you have a friend or relative to help you. Your decision should be based on more than your medical history and your doctor's opinion. It should also be based on what you and your family wants. Learning about your treatment choices will help you decide which one is best for you.
Will I Need to Take Medicines or Follow a Special Diet?
Most likely, your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Your treatment plan may include taking medicines, restricting salt, limiting certain foods, getting exercise and more. You will also need treatment for any other health problems you may have, including high blood pressure or diabetes.
What is a Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is a surgery that places a healthy kidney from another person into your body.
The kidney may come from someone who has died or from a living donor who may be a close relative, spouse or friend. It can even come from someone who wishes to donate a kidney to anyone in need of a transplant.
However, a kidney transplant is a treatment, not a cure, and it is important to care for the new kidney with the same care as before receiving the transplant.
