5 Dialysis Doctors in Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Dialysis and its indications?

Dialysis is a medical procedure used to mechanically filter the blood without the help of kidneys and to treat medical conditions like kidney impairment, chronic or acute kidney failure. There are two types of Dialysis:

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

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. 

Dialysis is indicated during conditions like Acidosis, Kidney dysfunction or kidney failure, Intractable hyperkalemia, Therapy-resistant fluid overload, Chronic kidney disease, Uremia, etc.

What are the advantages of Dialysis?

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 required preparation for Dialysis?

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

What are the steps included in Dialysis?

Dialysis includes the following steps:

Method-1: Hemodialysis

1. Your doctor will obtain vascular access before the procedure by making an incision 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 catheter and the catheter is closed with the help of a cap and left for 4 to 6 six hours in the body. The period is 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 care taken after Dialysis?

The following are the post-care steps:

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

Who is the right specialist to perform Dialysis?

Certified and trained Nephrologist can perform Dialysis.

What is the cost of Dialysis in Mumbai?

Some factors may affect the cost of Dialysis in Mumbai and they are:

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

Minimum charges in Mumbai starts from  Rs.825

Average expenses in Mumbai is approximately Rs.2,592

Maximum price in Mumbai may rise up to Rs.5,500

What type of people can be chosen for dialysis?

1. Complications of kidney disease or kidney failure.
2. Patients with end-stage kidney disease.
3. Acute and chronic kidney failure.
4. To lower the risk of death, and achieve a better quality of life.

What type of people cannot be chosen for dialysis?

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

What are the risks and complications of Dialysis?

Dialysis has the following risks and complications like Fluid overload, Muscle cramps, Low blood pressure, Itching, Trouble sleeping or Sleep apnea, Anemia, Bone diseases, Conditions like Amyloidosis or abnormally high protein levels, Pericarditis, Hyperkalemia, etc. 

What is the required time to complete Dialysis?

The time required to complete Dialysis maybe 3-4 hours depending on factors like Kidney function, body weight and the amount of fluid gained between Dialysis sessions, amount of waste present in the body, etc. 

Does Dialysis cause pain?

Generally, Dialysis is a painless procedure. 

Is Dialysis a permanent procedure?

Dialysis may be needed to be done for the rest of the lives for individuals diagnosed with kidney failure unless or until the kidney function improves or a kidney transplant is performed. 

What are the alternative methods or procedures for Dialysis?

Alternatives for Dialysis are Kidney transplant, medical treatments to improve or preserve the kidney function, or Erythropoietin injections every week to prevent anemia which can play a major role in kidney failure, etc.