5 Dialysis Doctors in Chennai

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Dialysis and who can perform?

Dialysis is used to mechanically filter the blood and to treat medical conditions like kidney impairment, chronic or acute kidney failure. The types of dialysis are:

1.Peritoneal Dialysis: In this process, the blood is filtered with the help of the peritoneal catheter and a solution called dialysate. Peritoneal Dialysis is of two types: 

• Automated peritoneal dialysis- A machine called cycler is used which will fill and empty the stomach with the dialysate for 3 to 5 times at night and you can begin your day with fresh dialysate in your stomach in Automated peritoneal dialysis 
• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)- The dialysate is left the whole night in the stomach In Continuous ambulatory peritoneal Dialysis.

2. Hemodialysis: In this process, hemodialyzer is used to eliminate the waste products from the blood by circulating the blood outside the body.

Dialysis is performed by a skilled and certified Nephrologist.

What are the indications of Dialysis?

Dialysis is used to treat conditions like:

1. Acidosis
2. Kidney dysfunction or kidney failure
3. Intractable hyperkalemia
4. Therapy-resistant fluid overload
5. Chronic kidney disease, Uremia, etc.

What can be the advantages of Dialysis?

Advantages of Dialysis are the following:

1. Improved overall health condition and quality of life due to reduced complications of kidney disease or kidney failure.
2. Reduced signs and symptoms of kidney failure like uremia, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue.

What is the preparation for Dialysis?

1. Inform the doctor regarding present and past medical and medication history.
2. The patient should undergo a few lab tests suggested by the doctor.
3. You may need to prepare for several weeks before undergoing this procedure.
4. The surgeon will create vascular access if you are undergoing hemodialysis for the first time.
5. The access will help in removing a small amount of blood from the circulation safely and sent back to test how hemodialysis might work.
6. Should discuss all the risks, complications, and benefits of Dialysis with the doctor.
7. Health status of the patient may be evaluated before undergoing this procedure.

What are the steps involved in Dialysis?

Dialysis involves the following steps:

Method-1: Hemodialysis

1. An incision will be done by the doctor to obtain vascular access before starting the procedure. Hemodialysis will be started once this incision is healed.
2. Needles will be inserted into each arm of an individual which are attached to a flexible plastic tube connected to a dialyzer (a machine which filters blood). The filtered blood is sent back into your body.

Method-2: Peritoneal Dialysis

1. A catheter will be placed 10 to 14 days before the procedure which will help to filter your blood through a membrane in your abdomen called peritoneum.
2. The dialysate fluid is added into your abdomen through the abdominal catheter and is closed with the help of a cap and left for a period of 4 to 6 six hours in the body called dwell time. You can perform everyday activities during the dwell time.
3. The dialysate will absorb waste products and excess fluid from the body during this period. The fluid is then drained into an empty bag and is discarded. 
4. Fresh dialysate is added through the catheter and the procedure is repeated.

What is the post-procedure care taken for patients who had undergone dialysis?

These are the most common recommendations by the doctor after undergoing Dialysis:

1. Limiting physical activities.
2. Do not stop or take any medications without consulting your doctor.
3. Avoid participating in sports, etc.
4. Dietary restrictions like limiting sodium, phosphorus, etc. must be followed.
5. A protein-rich diet is advised to people undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

What is the price of Dialysis in Chennai?

Expenses for Dialysis in Chennai changes due to the following factors like:

1. Patient age
2. Any other lab tests or examinations
3. Doctor fee
4. Health condition of the patient
5. Hospital charges
6. Type of Dialysis performed
7. Type of hospital

Minimum amount to be paid in Chennai starts from Rs.713

Average charges in Chennai is approximately Rs.2,238

Maximum cost in Chennai rises up to Rs.4,750

What is the eligibility criteria for Dialysis?

1. Complications of kidney disease or kidney failure.
2. Patients with end-stage kidney disease.
3. Acute and chronic Kidney Failure.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Dialysis?

1. Protein malnutrition
2. Surgical scars or recent surgeries on the abdomen
3. Conditions like hernia (Inguinal hernia)
4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), etc
5. Critical or life-threatening illness

What are the risks and complications of Dialysis?

Dialysis has risks and complications like:

1. Fluid overload
2. Muscle cramps
3. Low blood pressure
4. Itching
5. Trouble sleeping or sleep apnea
6. Anemia
7. Bone diseases
8. Conditions like amyloidosis or abnormally high protein levels, pericarditis, hyperkalemia, etc.  

How much time does it take to complete Dialysis?

A Single session of Dialysis may take 3-4 hours to complete depending on factors like Kidney function, Bodyweight and the amount of fluid gained between Dialysis sessions, Amount of waste present in the body, etc. 

Does Dialysis hurt the patient?

Dialysis is a painless procedure.

Is Dialysis a permanent procedure?

Dialysis is required to be done for the rest of the lives in individuals unless or until the kidney function improves or a kidney transplant is performed.

Are there any alternative methods or procedures to Dialysis?

Options other than Dialysis are,

1. Medical treatments to improve or preserve the kidney function 
2. Erythropoietin injections every week to prevent anemia which can play a major role in kidney failure, etc.
3. Kidney transplant