Patients with kidney failure have a hard time once they go through the initial shock of having to undergo dialysis forever to stay alive. In our time, many treatment methods have appeared that help them move forward in their lives and improve their quality, such as the possibility of dialysis at home; Devices such as home dialysis, including portable devices, are available to do the job, but is home dialysis right for everyone? This is what we will know in the following lines.

The difference between dialysis at home and in a specialized center

The steps of blood dialysis at home are similar to the steps followed in specialized dialysis centers. Blood is drawn through special tubes from the patient’s blood vessels to the device that filters the blood from the waste, and then returns it back to the body. The following are the characteristics of each of them:

Hemodialysis in the specialized center

• The visit is repeated about three times a week, and each time lasts about three or four hours.
• Advance appointment is required.
• It is performed under the supervision of a specialized medical team.

Kidney dialysis at home

• Flexibility in choosing session dates based on the patient’s daily schedule and lifestyle.
• The patient and the person helping him at home undergo extensive training to know the steps of use in detail.
• The patient goes about his normal activities at home during the dialysis session.
• More privacy for the patient.

Is home dialysis suitable for everyone?

Although most patients with kidney failure can undergo home dialysis, it is not suitable for some people. It requires the presence of a partner at home to help the patient in carrying out the steps of the procedure, and it requires both the patient and his partner to undergo extensive training to know the steps of the procedure and the safety precautions.

Types of home dialysis

There are two options for dialysis, which are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and both types have the same effect, and many devices of different companies fall under each of these types, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis uses catheters to filter the blood through the abdominal area, and one of its most important features is that it does not require insertion of needles, and the device can be carried at any time, and you find flexibility in scheduling the session, while one of its disadvantages is that it limits some activities such as swimming to avoid avoiding infection It must be subjected to daily.

Hemodialysis at home

Hemodialysis is the delivery of a home dialysis device that performs the functions of the kidneys to the patient’s body through two needles, one to withdraw blood to the device, and the other to return it again after filtering.

The appropriate type can be selected based on the patient’s preferences, but it is possible that one type may be suitable over the other, as peritoneal dialysis is suitable for the following:

• Some of the children.
• Patients with two kidneys that are still slightly functioning.
• Patients who do not have other diseases such as heart disease or cancer.

But this type is not suitable, and it is preferable to undergo hemodialysis for the following:

• Patients with low vision.
• dementia patients.
• Those with poor health.

Types of home hemodialysis machine

One source explains that there are three types of hemodialysis at home:

• Conventional home hemodialysis device: It is similar to the hemodialysis device in the centers, but it is carried out at home with the help of a relative or friend of the patient, and it is carried out three or four times a week, and the time lasts a few hours.
• Daily hemodialysis device: It is a home dialysis device that is used almost daily, that is, 5 or 6 days a week, and one time lasts between two and a half to 4 hours.
• Night home dialysis machine: It is a device that works for eight hours continuously, so the process of drawing blood is slow and quiet, and you can undergo it while you sleep at night.

Features of home dialysis machine

Each of the mentioned types has its own advantages, and the selection between them is made according to the patient’s need, and the following are some of the advantages:

• Flexibility in choosing the appropriate timing to undergo the session, and thus choosing timings away from work hours.
• Do not repeat the visit to the dialysis center constantly, except at specific appointments from the doctor.
• Both daily and nightly hemodialysis are distinguished from conventional hemodialysis in that they are light on the heart; Because they keep blood pressure at safe levels.
• You can swim or use the Jacuzzi and warm or cold baths.
• The daily home dialysis machine can be carried, which distinguishes it from the other two types.

Disadvantages of home hemodialysis machine

• Requires a relative or friend to help.
• Some devices cannot be carried, and therefore the patient adheres to the procedure’s appointments at home, and finds some difficulties in traveling.
• All types require needle injection.
• The daily home dialysis machine requires a daily session.

How is hemodialysis done at home?

Training on the use of the dialysis device at home is the first basic steps after determining the type used, and the training period takes several weeks. During the training period, the patient and his partner learn all about the use of these devices, and how to insert needles through the skin, or connect the device to the catheter (in Peritoneal dialysis device), safety and security methods, here are some of what the training includes:

• How to equip the room.
• Care of the place where the needles or catheters are inserted.
• Pressure gauge.
• Operate a home dialysis machine.
• Maintain and sterilize equipment.
• Diet and knowledge of prohibitions.
• Identify device problems and report them to your doctor immediately.