Dialysis

Dialysis by Editorial Staff And Contributors En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of the kidneys when they fail. Most patients begin dialysis when their kidneys have lost 85%-90% of their ability. Dialysis will continue for the rest of their lives (or until they receive a kidney transplant). This is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is caused by conditions such as diabetes, kidney cancer, drug use, high blood pressure, or other kidney problems. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD. It helps you feel better and live longer. There are two types of dialysis: Hemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis

Parts of the Body Involved Hemodialysis—veins in the arm, leg, or neck Peritoneal dialysis—abdomen

Reasons for Procedure The main functions of dialysis are to: Remove waste and excess fluid from the blood to prevent build-up Control blood pressure Keep a safe level of chemicals in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride It may also be done to quickly remove toxins from the bloodstream. This can occur in cases of poisoning or drug overdose.

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure Hemodialysis Heart problems Peritoneal dialysis Adhesions or significant abdominal scar tissue Infection of the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) Abdominal hernia Page 1 of 5 Copyright © 2008 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.

Diverticulitis Abdominal defects

What to Expect Prior to Procedure Hemodialysis Weight, blood pressure, and temperature are taken Topical anesthetic (a pain numbing medicine) is applied to the arm for needle insertion Heparin (a medication that prevents blood clotting) is given Peritoneal Dialysis Before the first treatment, the physician places a small, soft tube (approximately 24 inches long) in the abdomen. This tube will remain there permanently. A portion of the tube remains outside the body for use in the process. It is important to keep this access clean and dry to prevent infection.

Anesthesia For hemodialysis: topical anesthetic

Description of the Procedure Hemodialysis Blood is filtered through an artificial kidney machine, called a dialyzer. The blood travels from the body to the machine through tubes inserted into a vein in your arm, leg, or neck. An access site called a fistula or shunt may be surgically created in one of your veins. Fistulas may need as long as 2 to 3 months to fully heal before they can be used. They are never used if the treatment is temporary. They are typically created many months before dialysis is begun. Hemodialysis is usually done at a dialysis center or hospital. It may be done at home with assistance. It is usually done three times a week. Each treatment lasts from two to four hours. Hemodialysis

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© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Peritoneal Dialysis The abdominal lining is called the peritoneal membrane. In this type of treatment it is used to filter blood instead of a machine. A cleansing solution, called a dialysate, is inserted into your abdomen. Fluid, wastes, and chemicals pass from the tiny blood vessels in the peritoneal membrane into the dialysate. It is then drained after several hours. New dialysate can then be added to repeat the process. A port in the abdomen may be needed for long-term treatment. There are three types of peritoneal dialysis: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)—is the most common type of peritoneal dialysis. A bag of dialysate is infused into the abdomen through a catheter. It remains there for 3-6 hours and is drained. The abdomen is refilled with fresh solution. This way your blood is always being cleaned. No machine is needed. Continuous cyclical peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)—is done by machine. It is done at night while sleeping. Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD)—uses the same type of machine as CCPD. This requires assistance and is usually done at a hospital or center. It often takes longer than CCPD. Peritoneal Dialysis

© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

After Procedure Your blood pressure will be monitored.

How Long Will It Take? The time needed for dialysis depends on a few factors: How much kidney function remains How much fluid weight gain has occurred since the last treatment Amount of waste in the body Body size Level of minerals in your body such as sodium, potassium, and chloride Dialysis method used The approximate time and frequency of each method:

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Type

Length of procedure

Hemodialysis 2-4 hours

Frequency of procedure 3 times/week

CAPD

3-6 hours, plus 30 minutes to drain 4 times/day

CCPD

9-12 hours

Every night

IPD

12 + hours

36-42 hours/week

Will It Hurt? In general, dialysis procedures do not cause pain. You will not feel the blood exchange. There may be some temporary discomfort with the insertion of the needle or tube.

Possible Complications Anemia Drop in blood pressure during dialysis Muscle cramps Nausea, vomiting Headaches Infection Feeling hot, sweaty, weak, and/or dizzy Peritonitis (infection of the peritoneum), which causes fever and stomach pain (peritoneal dialysis only) Growth problems in children Inflammation of the heart sac (pericarditis) Neurologic problems Disruption of calcium and phosphorus balance, resulting in weakened bones

Average Hospital Stay None

Postoperative Care Once the procedure is complete and blood pressure is stable, you are free to continue daily activities. There are some special considerations: Dietary Guidelines Certain dietary guidelines should be followed. This will help to keep overall health and optimize the treatment. Patients who have peritoneal dialysis may have slightly fewer dietary restrictions than hemodialysis patients. This is due to the more frequent filter schedule. Talk to your doctor about your specific dietary needs. Medications Your doctor may give various types of medication. These include, but are not limited to Blood pressure medications Calcium supplements or multivitamins Phosphorus binders—to lower phosphorus levels in the blood Diuretics—to remove excess fluid Stool softeners or laxatives—to prevent or treat constipation, which can be caused by decreased fluid intake Iron supplements—to increase iron intake, which is important for production of red blood cells

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Outcome Dialysis helps maintain blood pressure, cleaning of the blood, and chemical and hormonal exchanges that are critical to survival.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs Signs of infection, including fever and chills Redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the catheter or tube insertion site Blood or cloudiness in the peritoneal dialysis fluid Nausea or vomiting Abdominal pain Dizziness or weakness RESOURCES:

The Kidney Dialysis Foundation http://www.kdf.org/ National Kidney Foundation http://www.kidney.org/ National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/ CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Kidney Foundation of Canada: British Columbia Branch http://www.kidney.bc.ca/ The Kidney Foundation of Canada: Northern Alberta and the Territories Branch http://www.kidney.ab.ca/ REFERENCES:

Dialysis. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/. Accessed July 28, 2008. Peritoneal Dialysis Dose and Adequacy. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) website. Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/. Accessed July 28, 2008.

Last reviewed February 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at [email protected].

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