What is Kidney Dialysis?
Kidney dialysis is a life-sustaining medical procedure used when the kidneys lose their ability to function properly. Normally, healthy kidneys filter waste products, remove excess fluid, regulate blood pressure, and keep the balance of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium in check.
When kidneys fail, due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, high blood pressure, or injury, toxins and fluid build up in the body, leading to serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications.
Dialysis acts as an artificial replacement for kidney function. It helps:
- Remove waste products like urea and creatinine from the blood.
- Maintain the right amount of fluid in the body.
- Keep electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium) in balance.
- Control blood pressure and reduce swelling.
While dialysis can greatly improve quality of life and extend survival, it is not a permanent cure. For most patients, the only long-term solution is a kidney transplant. However, many people live for years on dialysis with the right medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
Types of Kidney Dialysis
Doctors recommend the type of dialysis based on kidney function level, overall health, lifestyle, and urgency. The three main types include:
Hemodialysis
- Blood is taken out of the body and filtered through a machine that works like an artificial kidney (dialyzer).
- Cleaned blood is then returned to the body through a vascular access (usually in the arm).
- Sessions usually last 3 to 5 hours, about three times a week.
- Can be done in a hospital, dialysis center, or sometimes at home.
Peritoneal Dialysis
- Uses the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) as a natural filter.
- A special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter. The fluid absorbs waste and extra fluid, which is later drained out.
- Can be performed at home, making it more flexible for daily routine.
- Types include Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD).
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
- A slower, continuous form of dialysis used in critically ill patients who cannot tolerate regular hemodialysis.
- Usually performed in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Runs 24 hours a day, providing gentle and steady filtration.
3-5 Hours
Surgery Duration
Out Patient
Hospital Stay
Depends on Condition
Full Recovery Timeline
When is Kidney Dialysis Recommended?
Dialysis is usually recommended when the kidneys can no longer remove enough waste and water to keep the body safe and comfortable. That decision is based on symptoms, physical signs, blood tests, and the person's overall health, not a single lab number alone.
Main reasons to start dialysis
- Very low kidney function (end-stage kidney disease): People with Stage 5 CKD (eGFR below -15 mL/min/1.73 m²) are the usual group considered for dialysis or transplant assessment. If a person has no symptoms, many guidelines suggest thinking about dialysis when eGFR approaches about 5-7 mL/min/1.73 m², but individual factors matter.
- Uremic symptoms that impair daily life: Symptoms caused by toxin build-up (uremia) include persistent nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, severe fatigue, confusion or sleepiness, bleeding tendency, severe itching, or neuropathy. These symptoms are a common reason to start dialysis even if the eGFR is not a fixed cutoff.
- Fluid overload not controlled by medicines: When extra fluid causes severe swelling, raised blood pressure, or pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) that does not respond to diuretics, dialysis is recommended to remove fluid and protect the heart and lungs.
- Dangerous electrolyte problems: Life-threatening hyperkalemia (high potassium), especially potassium ≳6.5 mmol/L or when there are ECG changes, and severe, refractory metabolic acidosis (low blood pH, e.g., pH < 7.2) are indications for urgent dialysis.
- Uremic complications (medical emergencies): Examples are uremic pericarditis (inflammation around the heart), uremic encephalopathy (severe brain dysfunction from toxins), or intractable gastrointestinal symptoms or malnutrition from uremia. These require prompt dialysis.
- Toxic ingestions cleared by dialysis: Certain poisonings (for example, lithium, ethylene glycol, some severe drug overdoses) are treated with dialysis to remove the toxin quickly.
How to Prepare for Kidney Dialysis?
Preparing for dialysis is not just about the medical procedure itself. It also involves lifestyle changes, home planning, and emotional readiness. Good preparation helps dialysis run smoothly and reduces stress for both patients and families.
Medical Evaluation and Tests
Before starting dialysis, doctors carry out several important checks to understand your health status and to plan treatment safely. These may include:
- Blood Tests: To measure kidney function, especially creatinine and urea levels, and to check electrolytes such as potassium and sodium.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): To assess heart health, since kidney disease can affect the cardiovascular system.
- Access Site Evaluation: The doctor will examine where dialysis access will be created, such as an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or catheter. This is essential for a successful procedure.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle changes are an important part of preparing for dialysis. They make treatment more effective and protect overall health.
- Diet: A kidney-friendly diet with reduced salt, potassium, and phosphorus. Patients are usually advised to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables that are safe for kidney health, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Fluids: Depending on urine output, fluid intake may be restricted to prevent swelling and fluid overload.
- Avoiding Harmful Substances: Alcohol and smoking can worsen kidney disease and increase complications. Cutting them out supports better outcomes.
Home Preparation
Dialysis sessions can be long and tiring, so making home arrangements in advance helps ease the process.
- Support System: Arrange reliable transport to and from the dialysis center, or prepare for home dialysis if that is chosen.
- Comfort Items: Bring headphones, books, or a blanket to help stay comfortable during long sessions.
- Daily Routine: Adjust work or family schedules to fit dialysis sessions, ensuring enough rest and recovery time.
Day of Dialysis
On the actual day of treatment, simple steps can make the experience smoother:
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes with sleeves that can easily roll up, giving access to the dialysis site.
- Diet and Fluids: Follow the prescribed fluid limits and avoid heavy meals before dialysis.
- Medication: Take only the medicines approved by your doctor before treatment.
What Happens During Kidney Dialysis?
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment carried out under the close supervision of nephrologists (kidney specialists) and trained healthcare staff. It helps remove waste products, excess salts, and extra fluids from the blood when the kidneys are not able to do so.
Kidney Dialysis Procedure Step by Step
Preparation and Access Point
- Before starting, a special access point is used so blood can flow in and out of the body. This may be:
- Fistula: A surgical connection between an artery and vein.
- Graft: A soft tube linking an artery and vein.
- Catheter: A soft tube placed in a large vein, usually in the neck or chest.
- The nurse cleans the site carefully to prevent infection.
Blood Filtration
- Two needles are gently inserted into the access point.
- Blood is drawn from the body and passed into the dialysis machine.
- Inside the machine, a filter called a dialyzer removes waste products like urea, creatinine, and toxins.
- The cleaned blood is then returned safely to the body.
Fluid Removal (Ultrafiltration)
- Along with filtering, dialysis also removes excess water that builds up in the body.
- This helps control blood pressure, reduce swelling, and prevent strain on the heart.
Completion of the Session
- Once the prescribed dialysis time is finished (usually 3-5 hours per session), the machine is stopped.
- The needles are removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the access site to stop bleeding.
- The site is then covered with a clean bandage.
Specialists to Perform Kidney Dialysis Procedure
Several healthcare specialists are involved in kidney dialysis care. The teamwork among different experts ensures that patients receive complete and personalized treatment.
The specialists involved in kidney dialysis care are;
Recovery After the Kidney Dialysis Procedure
There are some aspects to consider to ensure your well-being and a smooth transition after each dialysis session. The nature of kidney dialysis recovery can vary between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis Recovery
- Post-Dialysis Fatigue: It's common to feel tired after a hemodialysis session. It is due to the physical stress of the procedure and the fluid and electrolyte changes that occur during dialysis.
- Hydration: After hemodialysis, you might be advised to drink fluids to maintain proper hydration. However, it's important not to overhydrate, as this can lead to fluid overload.
- Dietary Considerations: Be mindful of your diet after dialysis. Depending on your treatment, you might have dietary restrictions related to potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid intake.
- Monitoring Blood Pressure: Your blood pressure might be lower after dialysis. Be cautious when standing up to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness.
Peritoneal Dialysis Recovery
- Catheter Care: To prevent infection, maintain proper hygiene around the catheter exit site and clean the area as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Dwell Time and Activity: During the dwell time, you must be careful with physical activities to avoid displacing the catheter or causing discomfort.
- Fluid Balance: Monitor your fluid intake and output, as maintaining a proper fluid balance is essential in peritoneal dialysis.
- Dietary Guidelines: Similar to hemodialysis, follow any dietary restrictions your healthcare team provides to manage electrolyte levels and fluid balance.
- Infection Prevention: Be vigilant about any signs of infection around the catheter site, and follow your healthcare provider's instructions for catheter care.
General Tips for Both Dialysis Types
- Rest and Recovery: Allow yourself time to rest and recover after each dialysis session, especially if you feel fatigued.
- Medication Management: Continue taking prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your recovery, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare team.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with your nephrologist or healthcare provider to discuss your progress, concerns, and potential adjustments to your treatment plan.
Lifestyle Changes After Kidney Dialysis
After starting kidney dialysis, you must make some changes to stay healthy and feel your best. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Dietary Modifications: Follow a kidney-friendly diet prescribed by your nephrologist or a registered dietitian.
- Blood Pressure Control: Maintain healthy blood pressure levels through medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
- Physical Activity: Engage in regular, moderate physical activity as your healthcare provider advises.
- Smoking Cessation and Alcohol Moderation: Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption are both important for your health.
- Maintain Proper Hygiene: Keep the dialysis access site clean to prevent infections. Follow proper hand hygiene and care instructions for peritoneal dialysis.
- Care for Vascular Access (Hemodialysis): If you have an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG), follow proper care guidelines to maintain its function and prevent complications.
Benefits of Kidney Dialysis
Kidney dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for people with advanced kidney failure. When the kidneys can no longer filter blood effectively, dialysis takes over this essential function. The main benefits include:
Removes Waste and Toxins
- Dialysis helps clear the blood of harmful waste products such as urea and creatinine, which build up when the kidneys stop working properly.
- This process prevents complications like confusion, loss of appetite, and severe weakness caused by toxin overload.
Maintains Electrolyte Balance
- Kidneys normally regulate levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium in the body. Dialysis restores this balance, preventing dangerous problems such as irregular heartbeats or muscle weakness.
Controls Fluid Overload and Blood Pressure
- Dialysis removes extra fluid from the bloodstream. Without this, fluid can collect in the lungs, legs, and heart, leading to shortness of breath, swelling, and high blood pressure.
- By controlling fluid levels, dialysis protects the heart and reduces the risk of heart failure.
Improves Quality of Life
- Patients with kidney failure can live longer and maintain independence with dialysis.
- It allows individuals to continue working, traveling (with planning), and spending quality time with family.
Risks of Kidney Dialysis
Although dialysis is generally safe, it does come with some risks and possible side effects. These can vary depending on the type of dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and the patient's overall health.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
- A common side effect during hemodialysis sessions.
- It occurs when fluid is removed too quickly, causing dizziness, fainting, or nausea.
Muscle Cramps, Fatigue, or Nausea
- Rapid changes in fluid and electrolyte levels may trigger cramps or extreme tiredness after sessions.
- Some patients also experience headaches or nausea due to shifts in body chemistry.
Risk of Infection
- Dialysis requires repeated access to the bloodstream or abdominal cavity.
- This creates a risk of infection at the access site (fistula, graft, or catheter), which can sometimes become serious if untreated.
Long-Term Dependence
- Dialysis does not cure kidney failure.
- Most patients remain dependent on regular sessions until they receive a successful kidney transplant.
Dialysis is a crucial treatment that removes toxins, balances electrolytes, and manages fluid overload, greatly improving survival and quality of life. However, patients should be aware of its side effects and work closely with their healthcare team to minimise risks.
Cost of Kidney Dialysis in India
The cost of kidney dialysis depends on the type of dialysis, frequency, and hospital facilities. On average, each session costs Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000. For accurate pricing, please call our customer support team.
040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
