Dialysis

Definition
Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of the kidneys when they fail. Most
patients begin dialysis when their kidneys have lost 85%-90% of their ability. Dialysis
will continue for the rest of their lives (or until they receive a kidney transplant). This is
called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

ESRD is caused by conditions such as diabetes, kidney cancer, drug use, high
blood pressure, or other kidney problems. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD. It helps you
feel better and live longer.

There are two types of dialysis:

1)Hemodialysis
2)Peritoneal dialysis

Parts of the Body Involved

• Hemodialysis—veins in the arm, leg, or neck
• Peritoneal dialysis—abdomen

Reasons for Procedure

The main functions of dialysis are to:
• Remove waste and excess fluid from the blood to prevent build-up
• Control blood pressure
• Keep a safe level of chemicals in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and
chloride
It may also be done to quickly remove toxins from the bloodstream. This can occur
in cases of poisoning or drug overdose.

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

Hemodialysis
• Heart problems
Peritoneal dialysis
• Adhesions or significant abdominal scar tissue
• Infection of the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity)
• Abdominal hernia
• Abdominal defects

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Hemodialysis

• Weight, blood pressure, and temperature are taken

 • Topical anesthetic (a pain numbing medicine) is applied to the arm for needle
insertion
• Heparin (a medication that prevents blood clotting) is given

Peritoneal Dialysis
Before the first treatment, the physician places a small, soft tube (approximately 24
inches long) in the abdomen.
This tube will remain there permanently. A portion of the tube remains outside the body
for use in the process. It is important to keep this access clean and dry to prevent
infection.

Anesthesia
For hemodialysis: topical anesthetic

Description of the Procedure

Hemodialysis

Blood is filtered through an artificial kidney machine, called a dialyzer. The blood travels
from the body to the machine through tubes inserted into a vein in your arm, leg, or
neck. An access site called a fistula or shunt may be surgically created in one of your
veins.

Fistulas may need as long as 2 to 3 months to fully heal before they can be used. They
are never used if the treatment is temporary. They are typically created many months
before dialysis is begun.

Hemodialysis is usually done at a dialysis center or hospital. It may be done at home

with assistance. It is usually done three times a week. Each treatment lasts from two to
four hours.

Hemodialysis
Peritoneal Dialysis

The abdominal lining is called the peritoneal membrane. In this type of treatment it is
used to filter blood instead of a machine. A cleansing solution, called a dialysate, is
inserted into your abdomen. Fluid, wastes, and chemicals pass from the tiny blood
vessels in the peritoneal membrane into the dialysate. It is then drained after several
hours. New dialysate can then be added to repeat the process. A port in the abdomen
may be needed for long-term treatment.

There are three types of peritoneal dialysis:

• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)—is the most common

type of peritoneal dialysis. A bag of dialysate is infused into the abdomen through
a catheter. It remains there for 3-6 hours and is drained. The abdomen is refilled
with fresh solution. This way your blood is always being cleaned. No machine is
needed.
• Continuous cyclical peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)—is done by machine. It is
done at night while sleeping.
• Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD)—uses the same type of machine as
CCPD. This requires assistance and is usually done at a hospital or center. It
often takes longer than CCPD.

After Procedure
Your blood pressure will be monitored.

How Long Will It Take?

• The time needed for dialysis depends on a few factors:

• How much kidney function remains
• How much fluid weight gain has occurred since the last treatment
• Amount of waste in the body
• Body size
 • Level of minerals in your body such as sodium, potassium, and chloride
• Dialysis method used

The approximate time and frequency of each method:

Type Length of procedure Frequency of procedure

Hemodialysis 2-4 hours 3 times/week
CAPD 3-6 hours, plus 4 times/day
30 minutes to drain
CCPD 9-12 hours Every night
IPD 12 + hours 36-42 hours/week

Will It Hurt?
In general, dialysis procedures do not cause pain. You will not feel the blood exchange.
There may be some temporary discomfort with the insertion of the needle or tube.

Possible Complications
• Anemia
• Drop in blood pressure during dialysis
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headaches
• Infection
• Feeling hot, sweaty, weak, and/or dizzy
• Peritonitis (infection of the peritoneum), which causes fever and stomach pain
(peritoneal dialysis only)
• Growth problems in children
• Inflammation of the heart sac (pericarditis)
• Neurologic problems
• Disruption of calcium and phosphorus balance, resulting in weakened bones

Average Hospital Stay

None

Postoperative Care

Once the procedure is complete and blood pressure is stable, you are free to continue
daily activities. There are some special considerations:

Dietary Guidelines

Certain dietary guidelines should be followed. This will help to keep overall health and
optimize the treatment. Patients who have peritoneal dialysis may have slightly fewer
dietary restrictions than hemodialysis patients. This is due to the more frequent filter
schedule. Talk to your doctor about your specific dietary needs.

Medications
Your doctor may give various types of medication. These include, but are not limited to

• Blood pressure medications

• Calcium supplements or multivitamins
• Phosphorus binders—to lower phosphorus levels in the blood
• Diuretics—to remove excess fluid
• Stool softeners or laxatives—to prevent or treat constipation, which can be
caused by decreased fluid intake
• Iron supplements—to increase iron intake, which is important for production of
red blood cells

Outcome
Dialysis helps maintain blood pressure, cleaning of the blood, and chemical and
hormonal exchanges that are critical to survival.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at
the catheter or tube insertion
• site
• Blood or cloudiness in the peritoneal dialysis fluid
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness or weakness

RESOURCES:
The Kidney Dialysis Foundation
http://www.kdf.org/
National Kidney Foundation
http://www.kidney.org/
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/