Dialyysihoidon

Dialyysihoito, commonly known as dialysis, is a medical treatment that substitutes for kidney function in people with kidney failure. When the kidneys are no longer able to adequately filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood, dialysis becomes necessary. This treatment involves a machine that circulates the patient's blood, removes waste and fluid, and then returns the cleaned blood to the body. There are two primary types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis typically takes place in a dialysis center or hospital, though it can be done at home with specialized equipment and training. During hemodialysis, blood is drawn from the patient's body and passed through an artificial kidney, called a dialyzer. The dialyzer contains a filter that separates waste products and excess water from the blood. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body. Treatments usually last for several hours and are performed several times a week.

Peritoneal dialysis is another method where the inside lining of the patient's abdomen, the peritoneum, is used as a filter. A surgical tube, called a catheter, is placed in the abdomen to allow a dialysis solution to be instilled into the peritoneal cavity. This solution draws waste products and excess fluid from the blood into the peritoneal cavity. After a prescribed dwell time, the solution is drained from the abdomen and discarded. Peritoneal dialysis can often be performed at home by the patient.

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for individuals with end-stage renal disease. While it does not cure kidney failure, it helps manage the condition and allows patients to live longer and healthier lives. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the dialysis treatment.