Understanding Kidney Dialysis: Types and Procedures
This article explains the different types of kidney dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. It details procedures, access methods like fistulas, grafts, and catheters, and discusses when each method is suitable. Kidney dialysis is a vital treatment for kidney failure, helping patients live longer and maintain their quality of life until a transplant can be performed.
An Overview of Kidney Dialysis Methods
The human kidneys are essential organs responsible for filtering waste, balancing fluids, and supporting blood cell production. When they fail, dangerous buildups of toxins occur, risking life. Kidney dialysis offers an artificial solution to remove waste and regulate fluids. Located on each side of the spine, the kidneys perform crucial bodily functions, including waste filtration, fluid regulation, and stimulating red blood cell creation through erythropoietin.
Kidney failure hampers these vital roles, necessitating external assistance. Dialysis involves cleaning the blood through two main processes: hemodialysis, which uses a machine outside the body, and peritoneal dialysis, which occurs inside the abdomen. Method choice depends on the patient's condition and lifestyle, with options like fistulas, grafts, and catheters providing access to blood flow. Regular dialysis can sustain life and improve quality until a kidney transplant becomes available.
