Dialysis for Kidney Failure: A Lifesaving Therapy
When the kidneys stop functioning properly, dialysis becomes a critical treatment to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood. It serves as an artificial replacement for lost kidney function and is often prescribed for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe chronic kidney disease (CKD).
What Is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical procedure that performs the essential functions of the kidneys—filtering toxins, balancing electrolytes, and removing excess fluid—when the kidneys can no longer do so on their own.
- Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine using a dialyzer (artificial kidney) and then returned to the body.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: A special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity to absorb waste through the peritoneal membrane, which is then drained out.
Why Is Dialysis Needed?
Dialysis becomes necessary when the kidneys lose about 85-90% of their function. Common causes include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Glomerulonephritis
- Recurrent urinary tract infections or obstructions
Signs You May Need Dialysis
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating or mental confusion
- Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup
- Persistently high blood pressure not responding to medication
Hemodialysis: The Standard Approach
In hemodialysis, your blood is pumped out of your body to a dialysis machine and back through a dialyzer. It typically requires:
- Access to blood vessels through a fistula, graft, or catheter
- 3 sessions per week, each lasting about 3–5 hours
- Care at a hospital or dialysis center, or sometimes at home
High-Flux vs. Low-Flux Dialysis
Low-Flux Dialysis
- Removes only small waste molecules
- Less efficient in filtering middle and large-sized toxins
High-Flux Dialysis
- Uses a high-permeability membrane
- Filters both small and large waste molecules
- Reduces complications like inflammation and dialysis-related amyloidosis
- Improves quality of life and long-term outcomes
Advantages of High-Flux Dialysis
- Superior toxin clearance
- Lower risk of cardiovascular complications
- Improved comfort and well-being
- Bridge to kidney transplant
At our center, we offer state-of-the-art high-flux dialysis machines to ensure safe, effective care.
Role of the Nephrologist
Your nephrologist is key to managing kidney disease and selecting the right treatment. Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee evaluates each patient’s:
- Kidney function
- Overall health
- Lifestyle preferences
- Co-existing conditions
This ensures that you receive the most effective, personalized care possible.
Dialysis Is Not the End – It’s a New Beginning
With the right treatment plan, patients on dialysis can live full, active lives. Dialysis also serves as a bridge to a kidney transplant for eligible candidates.
Conclusion
Dialysis replaces essential kidney functions and supports better quality of life. Whether high-flux or peritoneal, our expert team is here to help every step of the way.
Prof (Dr) D Mukherjee is an alumnus of the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College, Pune where he did his MBBS & MD (Medicine). Subsequently he went on to do his DM (Nephrology) from PGIMER Chandigarh, which is the foremost training institution for nephrology in India.