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Dialysis is a method of removing electrolytes from colloidal solutions using a semi-permeable membrane. In other words, it removes water and waste products from the body that the kidneys cannot handle. It allows you to restore the metabolic balance by removing a number of toxic compounds from the blood.
Hemodialysis is used in the treatment of certain poisonings, e.g. with ethylene glycol. In this situation, it removes the toxin in the blood.
Dialysis – types
There are two types of dialysis: peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. In both cases, the blood is separated from the dialysis fluid by a semipermeable membrane that prevents many compounds from penetrating. This allows the removal of harmful metabolic products, electrolytes, excess water and other undesirable substances from the blood.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis, or extracorporeal dialysis, is used to treat advanced kidney disease. When they are sick, the marrow may not produce enough red blood cells, blood pressure rises, and harmful substances accumulate in the body. Hemodialysis involves passing blood through a special device, the so-called an artificial kidney that removes all harmful and unnecessary elements. Blood purified in this way normalizes blood pressure and maintains the proper level of minerals more easily. For kidney dialysis to be effective, it must be performed several times (usually three) a week at a dialysis center. Dialysis lasts on average about 5 hours, and about 50 liters of blood flows through the dialyzer (about 2–2,5 liters are left outside the body at one time).
Two needles are usually used during dialysis – one is used to drain blood to the dialyzer and the other supplies purified blood into the body. They are connected to the dialyzer and the latter to the dialysis machine. Before starting your dialysis series, your doctor may recommend a low-protein diet. During a course of dialysis, the patient may experience reduced energy and depressed moods.
Peritoneal dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is dialysis carried out through the abdominal cavity of the patient, specifically – using the peritoneum that lines it. The peritoneum acts as a filter, therefore the dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity, the chemical composition of which is selected in such a way that, on the one hand, substances to be removed from the blood penetrate into it, and on the other, substances needed to compensate for acidosis are absorbed. Peritoneal dialysis requires the implantation of a catheter into the peritoneal cavity – it should be implanted at least 2 months before the scheduled start of dialysis. After the fluid has been inserted, it remains in the abdomen for 4 to 12 hours. The procedure is repeated 3 to 5 times every day.
Peritoneal dialysis treatment is usually done at home by the patient or the person caring for him, both of which require appropriate training.
Blood dialysis – what is it?
The term “blood dialysis” is used for both renal and peritoneal dialysis. In both cases, it is about cleansing the blood of unnecessary and harmful substances.
Dialysis – when is it needed?
The most common indications for dialysis are problems with kidney failure and treatment of some poisoning in order to remove the toxic substance in the blood.