The need for dialysis is based on your physician’s overall assessment of your kidney function. Our physicians will use several factors including measuring your kidney function by blood tests to determine how well your kidneys work. When your kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). At this point your kidneys are no longer able to remove the waste from your blood. At kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to live.
There are a few dialysis options to consider and can be discussed with your physician during your office visit. We also offer CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE EDUCATION, in which your physician can sit with you one-on-one to discuss options with you and your family.
Hemodialysis
During hemodialysis, blood passes from your body through a filter in the dialysis machine to remove waste and extra fluid from your blood. A vascular access is needed to create the entrance into the blood vessels to allow the blood to be removed and returned. This is performed in a dialysis center three days a week, a few hours a day. Your physician would then visit with you at the dialysis center several times a month to monitor your treatment.
Home Hemodialysis
With training, family support and ideal conditions hemodialysis can also be performed in the home. A dialysis machine is still used to filter your blood but unlike hemodialysis performed in a dialysis center, you have the flexibility to schedule your dialysis treatments at your convenience. Our physicians in conjunction with the dialysis nurses and clinical staff would evaluate you once a month at the dialysis center.
Peritoneal Dialysis
During peritoneal dialysis your body uses the abdominal cavity as a filter to remove waste and excess fluid from your body. Similar to home hemodialysis this option eliminates the need to travel to a dialysis center weekly for treatment. A soft plastic catheter is placed through the abdominal wall into the abdominal cavity. Dialysis fluid or dialysate then enters your peritoneal cavity where waste enters into the fluid. After a few hours the fluid is then removed and replaced with new fluid. This procedure can be performed in your sleep and ideal for someone who travels or chooses to work while on dialysis.
To know more about our Dialysis Centers, click here.