Dialysis

At Shalby Hospital, we understand that kidney failure can be a challenging diagnosis. Dialysis is a vital treatment that can replace the essential functions of your kidneys when they can no longer do so effectively. Our best nephrology doctor’s team is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive dialysis care tailored to your needs.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that acts as an artificial kidney when your own kidneys can no longer function effectively. It removes waste products and excess fluids from your blood to maintain your body’s balance.

Maintenance haemodialysis

Maintenance haemodialysis is a long-term treatment modality for patient with chronic kidney failure. It involves regularly scheduled sessions where the patient’s blood is filtered using a dialysis machine. This process typically takes about four hours and is usually performed three times a week. The goals are to:

Remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood
Maintain proper electrolyte balance
Prevent complications associated with kidney failure

Acute haemodialysis

Acute haemodialysis is provided to patients who experience sudden kidney failure or acute kidney injury (AKI). This form of dialysis is often critical and performed in emergency situations. Features include:

Rapid initiation to manage acute conditions.
Temporary vascular access may be used.
Intensive monitoring and adjustment based on the patient’s immediate needs.

SLEDD (Sustained Low-Efficiency Daily Dialysis)

Sustained Low-Efficiency Daily Dialysis (SLEDD) is a hybrid dialysis modality that combines features of both intermittent haemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). It is typically performed daily for longer durations (6-12 hours) but at a lower efficiency. SLEDD is particularly beneficial for:

Patient with hemodynamic instability or patients with associated cardiac abnormalities. Critically ill patient with organ threatening sepsis.
Patients with severe fluid overload
Critically ill patients who require a gentler dialysis approach

Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Peritoneal Dialysis (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis or CAPD) is an alternative to haemodialysis where the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) acts as a natural filter. A cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, and waste products diffuse into the fluid, which is then drained. CAPD offers several benefits:

Flexibility and convenience, as it can be done at home
Continuous waste removal, which more closely mimics natural kidney function
Fewer dietary restrictions compared to haemodialysis

Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is a procedure used to treat various autoimmune disorders by removing harmful antibodies from the blood. It involves:

Extracting blood from the patient
Separating the plasma (which contains antibodies) from blood cells
Replacing the removed plasma with a substitute fluid, such as saline or albumin, or donor plasma

Exchange Blood Transfusion

Benefits of Dialysis

Dialysis can significantly improve your quality of life by:

Reducing fatigue and shortness of breath
Better fluid balance control improve haemoglobin levels and fatigue improves shortness of breath
It improved appetite and improves well-being and energy levels and quality of life
Preventing complications associated with kidney failure
Improving overall well-being and energy levels

Personalized Care and Support

At Shalby, we believe in a holistic approach to dialysis care. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your physical, emotional and nutritional needs. We offer education, counseling, and support groups to help you manage your dialysis journey with confidence.