6 Dialysis Doctors in Pune

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Dialysis and its advantage?

Dialysis is a method to mechanically filter the blood without the help of kidneys. Dialysis is performed to treat impaired or failed kidneys. 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.

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 are the indications of Dialysis?

Indications of Dialysis are the following:

1. Intractable hyperkalemia
2. Acidosis
3. Kidney dysfunction or kidney failure
4. Therapy-resistant fluid overload
5. Chronic kidney disease
6. Uremic symptoms

What can be the preparation for Dialysis?

1. The patient should discuss with the doctor about all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with Dialysis.
2. The surgeon will create vascular access if you are undergoing hemodialysis for the first time.
3. The doctor may suggest the patient with a few lab tests.
4. Health condition of the patient may be evaluated before undergoing this procedure.
5. The access will help in removing a small amount of blood from the circulation safely and send it back to test how hemodialysis might work.
6. You may need to prepare for several weeks before undergoing this procedure.
7. The access site must be taken care to avoid infections and other complications.

How Dialysis is done?

Dialysis can be done by the steps:

Method-1: Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis can be done by the following steps:

1. Your doctor may make an incision to have vascular access before commencing the procedure.
2. The individual will be started with hemodialysis, Once this incision is healed.
3. Two needles will be inserted into the 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.
4. It is a painless procedure and the doctor may recommend the person to sit back and relax or take a nap during the hemodialysis process.

Method-2: Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis is done by the following steps:

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

What is the recovery care for Dialysis?

Few steps are recommended by the doctor for the recovery from Dialysis and they are:

1. Limit your physical activities and talk to your doctor before participating in sports, etc.
2. Dietary restrictions like limiting the intake of sodium, phosphorus, and calorie-rich food must be followed as suggested by the doctor/dietician.
3. A protein-rich diet is are advised to people undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
4. Take all the medicines prescribed by your doctor. 
5. Do not take any OTC medications without consulting your doctor.

Who can perform Dialysis?

A certified and trained Nephrologist can perform Dialysis.

How much does Dialysis cost in Pune?

Factors that may affect the cost of Dialysis are:

1. Lab Tests recommended
2. Doctor fee 
3. Medical condition
4. Hospital charges
5. Type of Dialysis procedure

Minimum expenses in Pune starts from Rs.750

Average amount to be paid in Pune is approximately Rs.2,356

Maximum charges in Pune rise up to Rs.5,000

To what kind of people Dialysis is recommended?

Dialysis is recommended in the following individuals:

1. To achieve a better quality of life by reducing the complications of kidney disease or kidney failure.
2. Patients with end-stage kidney disease 
3. To lower the risk of death

To what kind of people Dialysis is not recommended?

Dialysis is not recommended in the following individuals:

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

What are the risks and complications associated with Dialysis?

Risks and complications of Dialysis are:

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

How much time does Dialysis take to complete?

Dialysis process depends on factors like:

1. Kidney function
2. Bodyweight and the amount of fluid gained between Dialysis sessions
3. Amount of waste present in the body

To complete Dialysis, It may take almost 3 to 4 hours and may be performed 3 times a week depending on the patient's condition.

Does Dialysis cause pain?

Dialysis is generally a painless procedure.

Is Dialysis a permanent procedure?

You may need Dialysis for the rest of your lives unless or until your kidney function improves or a kidney transplant is performed.

What can be the alternatives for Dialysis?

The following are the alternatives for Dialysis:

1. Medical treatments to improve or preserve the kidney function
2. Kidney transplant 
3. You can choose treatment options like erythropoietin injections every week to prevent anemia which can play a major role in kidney failure. The normally functioning kidneys produce erythropoietin which helps in the formation of red blood cells.