Kidney Dialysis: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Dialysis is a procedure that copies the works of your kidneys. Your kidneys are supposed to remove the extra water, salt and other minerals that your body do not need from your bloodstream. And when your kidneys stop working, they no longer do this work. This is where you’ll need dialysis.

Doral Health and Wellness provides an in-center dialysis services, managed by our highly trained medical team. To know more about dialysis, you can consult with the best nephrologists and urologists of Doral Health and Wellness in East New York.

There are two type of dialysis

  • Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis uses a machine called a dialyzer; this machine helps filter the blood externally and then return the filtered and cleaned blood to your body. This type of dialysis is performed several times a week, depending on your body’s need and/or as advised by your medical provider. Here are some of the things you’d want to know about hemodialysis:

  • Hemodialysis will require an access portal created by a vascular surgeon. This will be a permanent portal, connected to an artery or vein. Your surgeon will determine where to place the access portal.
  • For people under shorter-term dialysis, a permanent access portal won’t be necessary. Instead, a temporary catheter (or tube) will do. Although you need to follow a strict guideline in keeping your catheter clean to avoid infection.
  • The permanent portal is usually placed in your arms, while the temporary catheter is mostly placed in your neck.
  • Hemodialysis is usually done in a clinical setting, usually a hospital or dialysis clinic.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is an alternative form of dialysis that uses your abdominal lining (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A catheter is inserted into your abdomen, allowing a sterile solution, known as dialysate, to be infused and removed regularly. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, providing more flexibility and independence. Here are some of the things you’d want to know about peritoneal dialysis:

  • A surgeon will place the access into the lining of your abdominal wall. This will be done via laparoscopic surgery.
  • Peritoneal dialysis can be administered in your home. There will be no need for you to come to a dialysis clinic. It can also be done only at night, giving you an option to continue working while you are on dialysis.

If you have end-stage renal disease, or stage 5 chronic kidney disease, you will need to undergo dialysis. This is a medical condition where your kidneys no longer work. Your medical provider will evaluate your condition, considering your over-all health condition, age and other factors, and will advise you for your best treatment option.

Doral Health and Wellness provides an in-center dialysis managed by our highly trained medical team, we can work with you to create a dialysis regimen that will fit your medical needs and schedule.

If you have symptoms of having kidney problems, talk to your doctor so you can devise a proper treatment plan for your condition. Never take any symptoms of kidney problems for granted. It is better to have it checked early on, before it progresses. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologist and nephrologist will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org/department/urology/.