Kidney Dialysis Procedures

Dialysis is a life-saving procedure used to carry out some of the functions that diseased kidneys can no longer handle. According to National Kidney Foundation estimates, 341,000 Americans receive dialysis after experiencing kidney failure. Dialysis treatments can be performed at a dialysis center, hospital or at home, depending on a person's condition.

Identification

• Dialysis is needed when a person develops end stage kidney disease, or kidney failure, and the kidneys are only working at 10 to 15 percent of their normal capacity. During dialysis, a special machine is used to take over the work of the failing kidneys and remove waste, excess water and salt from the body. Dialysis is also helpful in controlling blood pressure and maintaining a safe level of bicarbonate, sodium and potassium in the body.

Hemodialysis

• During hemodialysis, a special machine called a hemodialyzer acts as an artificial kidney. An opening will be made in the arm or leg, allowing the blood to flow from the body to the hemodialyzer. Blood leaves the body through a flexible tube and returns through another tube after it has been filtered. Hemodialysis is usually performed three times per week, with each session lasting between three to five hours.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

• During continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, or CAPD, the blood is filtered while it is inside the body. A minor surgical procedure is used to place a catheter, or access tube, into the abdomen or chest. Once the catheter is in place, a plastic bag containing a liquid dialysis agent is attached to it and the fluid enters the abdomen, where it draws waste materials and extra water into the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdomen. Several hours later, the solution leaves the abdomen through the catheter and is placed in an empty bag. Solution usually remains in the abdomen for four to six hours before being removed and replaced with fresh fluid.

Continuous Cycler-Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD)

• If a doctor recommends continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis, or CCPD, a patient will be provided with a special machine called a cycler, which fills and empties the abdomen with dialysis solution three to five times as he sleeps. Each time the machine fills and empties the abdomen, an exchange occurs. During the morning, fresh solution is placed into the abdomen, where it remains until the patient starts that night's cycle.

CAPD/CCPD Combination

• Some people need a combination of both methods of peritoneal dialysis, particularly if they weigh more than 175 lbs. or if the peritoneum layer in the abdomen filters waste at a slow rate. If a doctor recommends this combination, a patient may need to perform exchanges during the day, even if he has been accustomed to leaving solution in the abdomen all day. In some cases, a patient may also need to use a mini-cycler at night, in addition to the normal dialysis procedure.

Diet

• In order to make dialysis more effective, a doctor may recommend that a person make certain changes to his diet. Salt should be avoided because it can make the body retain water. A doctor may advise to limit foods containing phosphorus, such as cola, milk, nuts, cheese and dried beans. Too much phosphorus can weaken the bones, making a person more prone to develop arthritis. A patient may also need to limit water intake, as water can build up quickly in the body if the kidneys aren't functioning.