Dialysis is a medical procedure that replicates some functions of the kidneys when they are no longer able to work effectively on their own. It is primarily used to treat patients with severe kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) or acute kidney injury. Dialysis helps to remove waste products, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood, maintain safe levels of certain chemicals in the blood, and control blood pressure. Here’s a detailed overview of the key aspects of dialysis:

 

Types of Dialysis

1. Hemodialysis (HD):  Procedure: Blood is removed from the body and passed through a dialyzer (artificial kidney), where it is filtered before being returned to the body.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): Procedure: Uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as the filter. A special solution (dialysate) is infused into the abdominal cavity, where it absorbs waste products and excess fluids before being drained.

• Indications for Dialysis
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Advanced stages of CKD, particularly end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where kidney function is severely diminished.
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden loss of kidney function, which can be due to various causes such as severe infection, injury, or complications from surgery.
• Certain Poisonings or Overdoses: Dialysis can be used to rapidly remove toxins from the blood in cases of drug overdose or poisoning.