Kidney dialysis is a treatment method in which the blood is cleansed and all toxic components that appear during metabolism are removed from the body. Such therapy should be used if the functions of this organ of the urinary system are lost by 85%. Today we consider what types of dialysis are, what each of them is. We also find out what drugs are needed for this procedure and whether there are contraindications to its implementation.
Deciphering the concept
Dialysis is a procedure that replaces the work of the kidneys if they do not perform their functions. The main purpose of this organ is as follows: it helps to remove toxins from the blood, and also helps to maintain the necessary level of salt balance in the body. Kidney dialysis is an activity that may be needed for a short time, or, perhaps, you will have to spend it the rest of your life, depending on the cause and complexity of the disease. As a result of the procedure, products formed after metabolism and toxins are removed from the human body.
Consider the definition of "dialysis of proteins." This is a method of separating particles of different sizes in a liquid mixture using a thin membrane, the pores of which are too small to pass large grains (proteins), but at the same time they allow dissolved crystalline matter. The liquefied mixture is separated from the water using this diffuser, small droplets pass through the barrier, and large ones remain.
Types of kidney dialysis
In modern medicine, there are two technologies for blood purification:
- Hemodialysis In this case, the connective tissue of the body is filtered through a system of straining membranes of a special apparatus, which connects to the circulatory system of the patient.
- Perinatal dialysis , in which a solution is supplied through the abdominal cavity. Then this liquid composition after a while begins to be excreted. However, in order to penetrate into this area of the human body, it is necessary to perform an operation to install a catheter.
Dialysis indications
This procedure is recommended for use with the following ailments:
- renal failure;
- poisoning with alcohols, poisons;
- overdose of drugs;
- dangerous changes in blood electrolytes;
- coma (hepatic, uremic);
- excess water in the kidneys, while conventional therapy does not help, and the patient’s life literally hangs in the balance.
The conditions described above can lead to death without dialysis.
If kidney function cannot be restored, then this condition is called the terminal stage of renal failure (ESR). It is caused by certain ailments, such as diabetes, kidney cancer, drug use, and high blood pressure. Although dialysis is not a panacea for ESRD, it helps the patient feel better and live longer. Therefore, sometimes it is simply necessary to perform this procedure in order to preserve not only health, but also life.
Features of hemodialysis
Dialysis using this technology implies finding the patient in a hospital setting. For this procedure, expensive equipment is necessary, which can only be in medical institutions, the patient cannot purchase it for himself. Therefore, a person should always be near the hospital so that, if necessary, blood purification can be performed immediately.
This procedure is carried out several times a week and lasts approximately 3-5 hours.
Peritoneal dialysis: what is it and how is it carried out?
This is the second type of blood purification that is done under local anesthesia. The doctor inserts a thin plastic catheter directly into the abdominal cavity , through which the doctor passes from 1 to 2 liters of glucose solution, salt and other necessary minerals. The action of perinatal dialysis is based on the fact that the abdominal cavity inside is covered with a membrane that acts as a filter. The peritoneum holds larger particles of blood, letting forward only the liquid part with the substances dissolved in it. This procedure is a surgical operation. Dialysate - a solution injected into the cavity by a doctor along with the waste is discharged through a catheter.
This type of operation is often performed on an outpatient basis, and the results after it are excellent if you perform several exchanges (that is, cycles of drug administration and exit) per day.
Types of peritoneal dialysis
There are three types of this blood purification method:
1. The continuous outpatient method. Perinatal dialysis of this type is most common in medical practice, for its implementation it is not necessary to use a computer. The procedure should be carried out in a clean, well-lit place. During surgery, the solution passes from the plastic bag through the catheter into the stomach. Diazolite stays there for several hours, after which it easily merges.
The advantages of this method of blood purification:
- the procedure can be performed at a convenient time;
- therapy is carried out without assistance;
- treatment can be carried out in many places;
- don't need a computer.
2. Invariable cyclic method. This type of peritoneal dialysis is similar to the first method, the only difference is that the device that connects to the catheter automatically fills and drains the solution from the abdomen.
The advantage of this method of blood purification is that the procedure can be performed at night, during sleep. But the minus is that you cannot do without the help of an outsider, and for this method you need a computer.
3. The discrete method. With this option, dialysis can be done at home, but usually it is still done in a hospital. Treatment with this method takes much longer than with cyclic and continuous methods, and this is its disadvantage.
Contraindications
Peritoneal dialysis cannot be used in the following cases:
- If there are adhesions in the abdominal cavity.
- With proven low filtration characteristics of the serous membrane.
- If obesity occurs, when the effectiveness of blood purification during dialysis is called into question.
- If purulent skin diseases are present in the abdominal wall.
- If there are mental disorders, and the patient cannot properly respond to a peritoneal dialysis session.
- If there is drainage in the abdominal cavity.
Dialysis drugs
- Medicines that reduce blood coagulability (Heparin and Warfarin solution).
- Drugs for blood pressure control (tablets "Atenolol", "Kapoten", "Cozaar", "Clonidine").
- Antihistamines (ampoules "Diphenhydramine", dragee "Atarax");
- Calcium supplements and multivitamins.
- Medicines containing iron necessary for the production of red blood cells (Epogen tablets).
- Medicines that bind phosphorus to lower its blood level.
- Diuretic drugs to remove excess fluid from the body.
- Laxatives for the prevention of constipation, which may occur as a result of a decrease in the amount of fluid consumed (Bisacodyl tablets).
Prerequisites for the procedure
Blood dialysis can be performed in the following cases:
- If the indicators of urea will indicate that a person has developed a severe degree of renal failure.
- If patients will follow a diet. A human diet should consist of a large amount of protein, but the amount of salt and liquid will need to be reduced. In addition, the doctor should recommend taking a certain amount of vitamins to the patient. A diet is needed in order to reduce the risk of thrombosis, anemia and various complications after the manipulations.
- If the patient has a desire to perform an event such as dialysis. This is a serious procedure, so the patient should be mentally prepared for it. And if a person refuses it, then no one will dialysis against his will.
- If there is the possibility of regular repetition of blood purification. Dialysis is a procedure that requires a schedule for a certain number of sessions. And if the plan is not followed, then there will be no effect.
- If the patient has the necessary funds, and the hospital has the appropriate medical equipment.
Dialysis: the price of the procedure
Unfortunately, the average Russian cannot afford the cost of such a blood purification measure, since an average of about 8 thousand rubles should be paid for one procedure. But what about those people who have been assigned dialysis for life? It turns out that there is a way out, since there are state hospitals financed from local budgets. And in this case, the cost of dialysis will be much lower or in general the procedure will be free.
And if a person wants to undergo dialysis abroad, for example, in Israel or the USA, then he will have to pay from 200 to 250 dollars for 1 session.
Now you know what renal dialysis is and what types of blood purification operations are available. We also found out that before deciding on a procedure, it is necessary to fulfill a number of conditions. But the cost of the operation depends on where to perform the dialysis (in a public clinic or private), in which city or country it is (it costs much more abroad than in Russia), as well as the qualifications of the doctors.