ABOUT KIDNEY DIALYSIS
Kidney dialysis is a treatment which usually involves using a machine to take over kidney function to filter toxins, waste, and excess fluid from the body. The treatment is required by patients whose kidneys are not functioning properly.
The kidneys serve the function of filtering the blood to remove excess fluid and waste products by turning them into urine. Dialysis is needed when the kidneys fail to function properly, which in some cases, may be a temporary problem. However, kidney dialysis is most commonly required by patients who have kidney failure, which will likely require dialysis until the patient receives a kidney transplant.
There are 2 different types of kidney dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is the most common type of kidney dialysis and involves connecting a tube to a vein in the arm, which is connected to a machine that is used to filter the blood. Hemodialysis is required 3 times per week and each treatment session takes up to 4 hours.
Peritoneal dialysis is a less commonly used type of kidney dialysis that involves filling the abdominal lining (the peritoneum) with fluid that enables the filtering of the blood. Peritoneal dialysis is required daily and can be performed by patients at home. It will need to be performed 4 times a day.
Patients who require kidney dialysis will need to continue their dialysis once they go abroad on holiday or if they travel overseas.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1.
The hemodialysis usually takes around 4 hours, and patients can leave once the treatment has finished and the needle is removed.
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE KIDNEY DIALYSIS ABROAD
Patients should plan ahead when possible, to ensure that the clinic or hospital can schedule their dialysis treatment, before booking a holiday.
The clinic will usually require information on the patient’s most recent EKG, X-ray, medical history, and information on any special needs that the patient may have.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
Hemodialysis is performed by using a machine to take blood from the body, filter it, and clean it, before returning it back to the body. A tube is attached to a vein in the patient’s arm, through which the blood will flow into the machine. The machine will then filter the blood, removing excess fluid and waste, and return the blood through another tube which is connected to the patient. The process can take up 4 hours and is usually required 3 times a week.
Peritoneal dialysis is performed by making an incision in the abdomen through which a catheter is inserted. The catheter is left in place for future treatments. A dialysis solution is inserted into the catheter tube to fill the abdominal cavity. The solution pulls the waste and excess fluid from the blood vessels that pass through the abdominal cavity. The dialysis solution is then drained from the abdomen into a bag which is then refilled with new dialysis solution.
Procedure duration
The Kidney Dialysis takes 3 to 4 hours.
Hemodialysis is usually required 3 times per week, with treatment lasting up to 4 hours.
