Patient Information Overview

Perhaps the first mention of dialysis came to you in your physician’s office when you learned you had a condition commonly called chronic kidney disease. At that point, you may not have given dialysis much thought. But, as chronic kidney disease progresses to the stage of kidney loss that requires replacement therapy to sustain life, your attention is now directed to dialysis and how this therapy will impact your quality of life.

The process of dialysis was developed to treat kidney failure and allow patients experiencing chronic kidney disease to continue to lead productive, quality lives. It is not the end of the story, rather the beginning of a new chapter for those requiring treatment for end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Dialysis cleanses the body of the waste products and excess fluid that your kidneys once filtered for you. There are basically two types of dialysis:  1) hemodialysis and 2) peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis involves accessing the blood stream through a surgically prepared site (access) that allows blood to pass through a special filter (dialyzer) of a dialysis machine, be cleansed and returned to your body. This process of hemodialysis is usually performed three times a week for an average of 3.5 to 4.5 hours. It involves going to a dialysis center where specially trained nurses and patient care technicians administer your treatment. It can also be performed at home under specific conditions.

Peritoneal dialysis differs in that the blood stream is accessed by a surgically placed tube (catheter) in the abdominal cavity that allows sterile fluid to be instilled in the abdomen. The peritoneal membrane that overlies your abdominal organs acts as the filter in this case. It is highly vascular and this membrane and the special solution (dialysate) instilled allows for your blood stream to be cleansed of the waste products and excess fluid of kidney failure. Peritoneal dialysis has two specific types: CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis) or CCPD (Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis). This therapy, once learned in the dialysis facility, is performed by you at home.

Now that these new treatment options have been encountered, what next?
You and your loved ones, with the guidance of your nephrologists (kidney doctor) and other healthcare team members, must choose the treatment option right for you. This may seem similar to buying a car without the benefit of a test drive! Your best approach is to gain all the information possible, visit the dialysis facility, speak with the dialysis professionals (nurses, social workers, dietitians) then evaluate this information in light of your lifestyle goals and make the best choice for you. Realize you are not by yourself but have a wealth of knowledgeable, experienced, caring professionals to assist you whichever therapy you choose.

USRC supports you through its many health professionals who strive to provide the highest quality, safety-oriented and compassionate care possible in the dialysis industry today. Nephrology nurses provide information specific to the disease process and treatment options available. They have the combined experience of years of treating dialysis patients and understand the disease process along the entire treatment continuum. Social workers are available to assist with financial resources specific to you, family issues and the overall adjustment to dialysis as it impacts all aspects of your life. The renal dietician is present to educate you and your loved ones on the special diet plans for dialysis patients. Dietitians assist with meal planning, tips on maintaining the renal diet, and education on the rationale for diet modifications. All the dialysis professionals involve you, as the patient, and your loved ones, as you desire, to promote your success and adjustment to the challenges that renal failure presents to you. The more involved you become in your treatment plan, the greater are your outcomes and quality of life.

USRC has provided for you some educational links where your knowledge about renal disease and its many aspects can be obtained. Use these sites to learn more about your treatment options. Visiting the dialysis facility may be helpful to learn from the professionals waiting to serve you and see firsthand the treatments available for you.