What is dialysis?
Healthy kidneys filter unwanted waste products, drugs, toxins etc from our blood in the form of urine. When kidneys are damaged due to various reasons, the waste products in the blood make a life threatening condition. So, our specialists invented an artificial cleaning mechanism which mimics the functioning of kidneys, called ‘dialysis’.
What happens during dialysis?
In the process of dialysis
- Waste salts, water are removed from the blood
- Optimal levels of chemicals such as potassium, sodium, bicarbonates are maintained
- Blood pressure levels are also controlled through this process.
Can’t failed kidneys be repaired?
The type of damage and the extent determines if the Kidney damage is reversible and if their function can be restored. In cases where 80 -90% of the kidney function is lost, the only option a patient will have is to get the kidney replaced. If a suitable donor kidney is not found, he/she has to live on regular dialysis until one is found and replaced.
If the kidney failure is for a shorter period and if the urologist is able to restore their functionality, dialysis will not be needed.
Where is dialysis done in Chennai?
Dialysis services are available across many good clinics and multi-speciality hospitals across Chennai. At Gauri – Urogynecology clinic, our expert urologists team combined with our state of the art equipment makes dialysis a nearly pain free and comfortable experience.
You can schedule an appointment for dialysis by calling our front desk at +91 909 284 9786
Are there any different types of dialysis?
Yes, there exist two types of dialysis – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis – An artificial kidney is used to remove waste stuff from the blood. Blood is drawn from the blood vessels into the artificial kidney and purified blood is sent back into the body. Typically, the blood is drawn from the arm or leg. There are other ways where an artery and vein are joined to make a bigger blood vessel. Typical time taken for this procedure is around 4 hours and this needs to be done 3 times a week. In hemodialysis process, blood coagulants (thinners) will also be added as decided by the nephrologists. Risks include, internal bleeding and infection.
Peritoneal dialysis – In this process, blood is cleansed inside the body. A dialysis solution called ‘dialysate’ is filled into the abdominal area by means of a catheter. The waste salts and water in the blood are filtered out by the dialysate and then, the solution is removed from the body. This is a simpler solution than hemodialysis but not as effective. This procedure can be performed at night while the patient is asleep. Risks associated with peritoneal dialysis include infection.
There are different kinds of peritoneal dialysis but Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) are the two procedures that are widely used.
Will dialysis cure the kidney disease?
Dialysis only mimics the function of damaged kidney. It does not repair the kidney. Dialysis will be performed until the kidney function returns to normal or in cases where the functionality is fully lost, this has to be done for life or until a suitable kidney is found for replacement.
Is dialysis a painful process?
The treatment is painless. However, the needles inserted into the blood vessels may cause little pain and may make the person uncomfortable. It may hurt even a little more when the vein and artery is joined to make a fistula for allowing more blood to flow.
How long can a person survive when undergoing dialysis?
Typically a person can live for 5 – 10 years on dialysis. However, there are evidences where people survived for 20+ years. Speak to your nephrologists and urologists about kidney replacement.
How much does dialysis procedure cost in Chennai?
Dialysis is surely not a cheap procedure. It costs decent money. You will need insurance that covers your dialysis cost so that you don’t end up paying the entire money from your pocket.
How is the life of patients living on dialysis?
Other than the time when they undergo dialysis, they can lead a normal life.
Are there any diet restrictions for those undergoing dialysis?
Yes. There are strict rules on what a person (undergoing dialysis) can and cannot eat or drink. The specialist will give complete information on the diet and the patient must strictly follow it for a healthier life.
Can patients on dialysis travel?
Yes. The person on dialysis can travel just like a normal person to any different city or country. Only thing he/she needs to make sure is to get dialysis done on time to stay healthy.
Looking for a good dialysis clinic/center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu? Call our expert nephrologists and urologists at +91 909 284 9786. If you have a health insurance, we can put you onto our insurance specialist to let you know what costs are covered and to what extent, so that you can make an informed decision about the costs.
