What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that replaces the essential functions of the kidneys. Healthy kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which are then eliminated from the body as urine.

When kidney function declines significantly, toxins and other impurities accumulate in the bloodstream. This buildup can also disrupt hormone levels, electrolyte balance, and immune function.

Unless a kidney transplant is an option, dialysis is the primary treatment for removing waste products from the blood, thereby preventing the harmful effects of kidney failure.

Are there different types of dialysis?

• Peritoneal Dialysis: This method utilizes your own peritoneum (the lining of your abdominal cavity) to filter waste products. Peritoneal dialysis offers greater flexibility than hemodialysis, allowing you to perform treatments at home, enabling you to maintain a more normal daily routine, including work, school, and other activities. Dr. Quinones specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for the placement of a thin catheter into your abdomen. This catheter allows you to instill a dialysis solution into your abdominal cavity, where it absorbs waste products for several hours. Once the treatment is complete, you simply discard the solution.

• Hemodialysis: This method involves using a machine to filter your blood outside of your body, similar to the function of healthy kidneys. To facilitate this process, a surgical procedure is performed to create an arteriovenous fistula (a connection between an artery and a vein) in your arm. This fistula allows for easy access to your bloodstream for dialysis treatments, which typically require several hours, three times a week, at a dialysis center.

At Q & S Surgical, we believe that peritoneal dialysis offers greater freedom and flexibility, allowing individuals with kidney disease to maintain a more fulfilling and independent lifestyle.

Why might I need dialysis?