What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical procedure that substitutes the natural filtration function of the kidneys when they are failing. It removes waste products and excess fluids from the blood through two main methods: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a machine and a dialyzer to clean the blood outside the body, while peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood inside the body. Dialysis is crucial for individuals with advanced kidney failure, helping to maintain their health and prolong life in the absence of a kidney transplant.
What is a Dialysis Center?
Dialysis centers are medical facilities that provide dialysis treatment for patients whose kidneys are not functioning correctly. Dialysis is a life-sustaining process that artificially removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform these functions naturally. This treatment is essential for individuals with chronic kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), as it helps to maintain necessary levels of salts and minerals in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate, and keeps blood pressure under control. There are two main types of dialysis:
1. Hemodialysis: This is the most common type of dialysis, where a hemodialyzer or dialysis machine filters waste and excess fluids from the blood. During hemodialysis, the patient's blood is circulated through the machine, cleaned, and returned to the body. Hemodialysis treatments are usually performed three times a week and take several hours per session. Hemodialysis can be done in a dialysis center, a hospital, or a home with proper training and equipment.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis: In this type of dialysis, the abdominal cavity's lining acts as a natural filter. A permanent tube introduces a sterile solution rich in minerals and glucose into the abdomen. The solution absorbs waste products and excess fluids from the blood vessels in the abdominal lining and is drained from the body. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, work, or while traveling, providing more flexibility than hemodialysis.
Dialysis centers are equipped with the necessary medical equipment and staffed by healthcare professionals, including nephrologists (kidney specialists), nurses, and technicians specializing in dialysis treatment. These centers not only provide dialysis treatment but also offer patient education, nutritional counseling, and support services to help manage the challenges of kidney failure and improve the quality of life for patients undergoing dialysis.
