Kidney diseases and kidney failure have become very prevalent in modern times for many reasons, and you certainly know at least one person undergoing dialysis, so what is the process of dialysis and how is it done? And does it have complications? Find out everything you care about in this article.

What is hemodialysis?

It is a necessary procedure for patients with kidney failure, as this procedure performs the function of the kidneys in purifying the blood from toxins, salts, minerals and excess fluids in the body.

Types of dialysis

There are two types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis: It is a method in which the blood is purified by a device outside the body, as the dialysis machine cleans the blood and then returns it to the body again.
• Peritoneal dialysis: where the fluids that clean the blood are pumped into the abdomen, so that the small blood vessels in the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen absorb it to purify the blood from toxins and excess fluids, then work is done to drain this fluid.

Reasons for dialysis

A kidney patient needs to do this procedure when he reaches the last stage of kidney failure, and after the failure of other treatments that work to restore the kidneys to do their function, so this procedure is the available option, and dialysis does not cure kidney failure, unfortunately, but it does the work of the kidneys, It may continue throughout his life.

The doctor determines when a patient should start dialysis based on several factors, including general health, kidney function, symptoms, and quality of life.

How is kidney dialysis done?

As mentioned, there are two types of dialysis, and each type has a method as follows:

Hemodialysis

It is the most common type, and two thin tubes are connected into a vein in the patient’s arm, and through one of them blood is drawn to pass through the purification device, and then returned to the body through the other tube.

Peritoneal dialysis process

In this process, no external device is used to purify the blood, but the thin membrane lining the abdomen (peritoneum) acts as a filter instead of the device, where a small incision is made next to the navel and a catheter is inserted through it to reach the abdominal cavity.

Through the catheter, the purified fluid is pumped into the abdominal cavity and when it is absorbed by the blood vessels in this area, waste, fluids and excess substances in the blood are drawn into this fluid.

After a few hours, this fluid is withdrawn with its excess material, collected in a special plastic bag, drained from the abdomen, and replaced with clean fluid.
This process of withdrawing and replacing the fluid is repeated every 30-40 minutes and usually four times a day.

Dialysis of the neck

This procedure is not considered a third type, but it falls under the process of hemodialysis, where the large vein in the neck is temporarily used instead of the arm to draw blood, purify it and return it. The neck vein is resorted to in case of undergoing a long period of dialysis, as it becomes difficult with time to complete this process from the veins natural. The neck vein can be used for 14 days.

duration of dialysis

As we mentioned, a patient who undergoes dialysis must continue for life, unless there is a possibility of a kidney transplant. Dialysis sessions usually take place 3 times a week and the session lasts for about 4 hours. The doctor can set a regular schedule to undergo this procedure at home in If this possibility is available, it is as follows:

• 4 times a week – 4 hours each time.
• 5 times a week – 3 hours each time.

Complications of dialysis and side effects

It is normal for the patient to feel exhausted and tired after dialysis, but he may suffer from some side effects that may vary from person to person depending on their severity and the type of dialysis he undergoes, as follows:

Effects of hemodialysis

• Reduction of Blood pressure.
• Muscle spasm.
• itchy skin
• blood clots
• infection.
• Anemia.
• Sleep difficulties.
• heart problems

Effects of peritoneal dialysis

• Peritonitis or peritonitis.
• Abdominal hernia.
• High blood sugar.
• Hyperkalemia.
• overweight.
• Some people may become anxious and depressed.

Fortunately, these complications can be treated and avoided by following the doctor’s instructions and advice to live with this condition, and these risks can be reduced starting at home by following these tips:

• Drink more fluids as instructed by your doctor, which will help avoid dehydration.
• Examine the insertion site of the tube or catheter regularly, according to the type of dialysis, to notice any risk of infection or inflammation.
• Doing light exercise and regulating your diet to avoid weight gain.

When do you consult a doctor?

You should see a doctor immediately if these symptoms appear:

• Breathing difficulty.
• Difficulty concentrating and confusion.
• Swelling or redness of the extremities and a feeling of pain in them.
• Fever of more than 38 degrees.
• Unconsciousness.

Is dialysis painful?

Some people think that dialysis is a very painful process, but this is a completely wrong belief. Pain is certainly not inevitable as the dialysis process continues. Rather, you should tell your doctor if you feel any abnormal pain during or after the procedure.

The side effects and complications that can be felt are what we mentioned, and they certainly cause discomfort and other symptoms that you can notice and tell the doctor about.

Urination after dialysis

What about urination after dialysis? This question is certainly common to everyone who goes through this process or who will start it. It is normal to think that the kidneys will not produce urine again with the continuation of the dialysis process, except that in some cases the kidneys may have a small ability to work, so a small amount is produced of urine, but if you notice this, it does not mean that you will not need dialysis again, and this is what the doctor will determine according to your general condition and treatment plan.

How long does a person live on dialysis?

It is expected that a person will live on undergoing dialysis throughout his life if he suffers from total kidney failure until he is allowed to undergo a kidney transplant, and it is advised to follow the treatment plan and the doctor’s instructions carefully to take care of yourself, and maintain your health throughout the treatment journey.

Finally, we must remind you of the need to consult a doctor if you have a kidney disease about the effectiveness of your treatment and its success, so that you do not have to resort to dialysis. This condition can certainly be avoided by literally following your doctor’s instructions and changing your lifestyle for the better.