Dialysis unit that. Renal hemodialysis: diets and complications. Preliminary preparation for hemodialysis

In our time, we have many opportunities to discover all the secrets of the well-coordinated work of the human body. Thanks to progressive scientific research, it is possible to cure the most difficult diseases. And the main lifesaver is always modern medical equipment.

Today, many people are faced with the most unpredictable ailments. Moreover, both adults and children suffer from them. The age threshold is a relative concept today. So, according to statistics, kidney diseases are in the forefront.

Biological functions of the kidneys

The human kidneys are the main constituents of the urinary and excretory system. Their main purpose is to filter the fluids of the human body.

In addition to this feature, the kidneys cleanse the body of toxins and harmful substances that enter the body, and also maintain internal pressure, take part in metabolic and hematopoietic processes. Therefore, kidney health is so important for the full functioning of the entire living organism.

What is hemodialysis? Description of the procedure

Unfortunately, only a few can boast of excellent kidney health today. When these organs refuse to cope with their main task - filtration, the body is poisoned through the blood with metabolic products, which leads to poor health. Such poisoning is the critical line between life and death. The body cannot remove waste products, accumulates them and accumulates, which leads to malfunction of other vital organs. The chain of physiological interaction of all components is disrupted. The general mechanism ceases to function smoothly.

To achieve the removal of all metabolic products from the body, a hemodialysis procedure is performed. What is hemodialysis? It is an effective medical procedure to purify the blood.

Age limit for hemodialysis

Blood hemodialysis has no practical age limit. The whole point lies in the state of the human body. This procedure can be prescribed for both a child and a very elderly person, it all depends on the diagnosis made by the attending physician.

Who is hemodialysis prescribed for?

Hemodialysis is a blood purification that is carried out in a stationary setting and allows you to prolong the life of those who suffer from chronic and acute renal failure. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the willingness of patients to be treated and the financial ability to pay for the procedure.

What equipment is used for hemodialysis?

Kidney hemodialysis is performed with the help of a medical device "artificial kidney", which allows you to cleanse the blood from urea, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and improve the physiological state of the patient several times.

An innovative blood purifier consists of elements such as:

A device through which blood is taken and moved in the direction of cleaning;

A dialyzer designed to filter blood;

Valve for supplying cleaning solution;

Monitor.

Passing through the apparatus, the blood restores its normal salt and acid-base composition.

Can an artificial kidney replace the functionality of real organs?

The "artificial kidney" apparatus is constantly needed for patients diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Such patients cannot do without blood purification, refusal of hemodialysis procedure for them is a reduction in their life expectancy.

Naturally, the apparatus cannot completely replace the functionality of real kidneys, but by periodically purifying the blood, it helps to cope with the still functioning, albeit not as efficiently as necessary, real organs.

How is the blood purified during hemodialysis?

Many people, faced with kidney disease, ask themselves the question: "Hemodialysis - what is it?" And this is just a mandatory procedure for cleaning blood from products that are not physiologically excreted from the body. Kidney hemodialysis is never prescribed without good reason.

The frequency of hemodialysis is two to three times a week. The duration of the procedure is from five to six hours. During hemodialysis, the patient's pulse and blood pressure are constantly checked.

The procedure is being carried out in medical institutions. But today, hemodialysis at home is also possible. This requires a nurse or a trained nurse who helps to connect the device and monitors the patient's well-being, as well as expensive equipment.

Hemodialysis at home provides a constant opportunity to purify the blood without queuing and worrying.

Blood enters the purifier through an implanted fistula called a tube, which is the junction of an artery and vein. After the operation, three to six months later, hemodialysis can be performed using an implanted canal.

On the monitor of the "artificial kidney" you can monitor the speed of blood flow and control the cleaning process itself.

After attaching a needle for supplying contaminated blood and returning purified blood to the body, the process itself begins - hemodialysis (photo below).

Are complications possible during the hemodialysis procedure?

Answering the question "Hemodialysis - what is it?", Many professional urologists draw the attention of patients to the complexity of the procedure, which can cause both improvement and deterioration of health, since an artificial apparatus cannot completely replace the potential functionality of real kidneys.

If the normal functioning of the kidneys fails, the activity of other internal organs is also disrupted, which, only because of the blood purification procedure, do not return to their physiological full-fledged activity, which can cause the following complications that you need to know about, especially if hemodialysis is carried out at home:

Anemia - a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells;

High blood pressure - hypertensive crisis;

Insufficiency of the central nervous system, which is manifested by the lack of sensitivity of the limbs;

Dystrophy due to improper calcium-phosphorus metabolism;

Inflammation of the lining of the heart - pericarditis;

If the kidneys fail completely, then the level of potassium in the blood rises, which leads to cardiac arrest - death for the patient.

Hemodialysis is a procedure that causes nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps in almost every patient. Vision and hearing sensation are impaired, and many develop allergic reactions. So the blood purification cannot be called pleasant. It is in very rare cases that the patient undergoes hemodialysis without all sorts of side effects.

Indications for hemodialysis

The question "Hemodialysis - what is it?" practically does not occur in those patients who need this procedure like air. And such obligatory diagnoses are:

Renal failure - acute and chronic;

Poisoning with poisonous substances;

Excess fluid in the blood, which can be fatal;

Impaired electrolyte blood balance;

Pericarditis.

Contraindications to hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is not useful for everyone, the following diagnoses are considered contraindications to it:

Cirrhosis of the liver;

Diseases of the central nervous system;

Diabetes;

Lung disease;

Damage to the vessels of the brain;

Schizophrenia, psychological disorders;

Hepatitis;

Postinfarction coronary heart disease;

Drug addiction and alcoholism;

Myoma of the uterus;

Stomach ulcer;

Tuberculosis.

Special diet before and after the procedure

Not all patients feel relief within a few hours after undergoing hemodialysis. Reviews are conflicting. But only a professional can assess the real picture of well-being - the doctor whose patient is being observed. It is he who sets the weekly schedule and makes sure that the patient eventually gets better.

And not only hemodialysis itself helps to improve well-being, but also adherence to a certain diet before and after it. A long-term result after hemodialysis can be preserved by those patients who consume little salt, foods rich in phosphorus and potassium.

Minimal water consumption is desirable.

In case of kidney diseases, it is preferable to focus on protein foods, but in no case on fish and milk cheeses.

Limited salt intake reduces the need for fluid intake - water, soup broths. In no case should food be too seasoned with spices, they cause a strong thirst.

In the diet of patients with renal insufficiency, the amount of potassium and phosphorus should be limited.

Where is hemodialysis performed?

Hemodialysis (the indications for it were described above) are carried out in urological clinics. Variants with the use of foreign experience are possible, however, for chronic diagnoses, this option is unprofitable both in terms of cost and in terms of permanent stay abroad.

Whole departments have been set up to carry out this serious medical procedure. Since it requires expensive equipment, which is often not enough to serve the large flow of patients with kidney problems, hemodialysis has to be done on a first come, first served basis. Due to the additional physical discomfort, many patients refuse to continue treatment.

Hemodialysis at home can be afforded only by well-to-do patients above the average level.

How much does blood purification cost?

Hemodialysis is not a cheap medical procedure, the cost of one session is on average in the country up to six thousand rubles. According to health insurance, this procedure must be funded by the state. But since health insurance in our country is imperfect, patients have to fight for their right to life in most cases on their own.

Naturally, those who are prescribed hemodialysis, the cost of which is too high for the family's budget, have to weigh the pros and cons and, in most cases, disrupt the sequence of sessions. And this does not in any way lead to effective recovery, but more and more exacerbates the already difficult situation with health.

It is possible to refuse hemodialysis in cases of transplantation of an absolutely healthy organ to the place of a diseased kidney. Organ transplantation today also lacks a perfect mechanism. There are very few organ donors, so patients are waiting in line to get a chance to return to a full-fledged normal life.

A kidney transplant is also not a cheap pleasure, but it returns patients to the previous rhythm of life, without forever being tied to an artificial purification apparatus. Organ transplant operations are successful in ninety-nine percent of cases. Therefore, many hemodialysis patients do not lose hope that this is a temporary phenomenon in their lives.

Many patients from those who are faced with the problem of blood purification have used ingenuity and use home-made devices for this purpose. But how effective they are is not fully understood by professional doctors. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and get a proper session on time in an inpatient facility without looking for a solution to the problem in another way.

The "artificial kidney" has the technical potential to track the correctness of the procedure, which should not harm health, but maintain it until the time of transplantation of healthy organs.

Many community organizations help people with a diagnosis of kidney failure to fight the disease, partially funding hemodialysis procedures. But this is just a minimal contribution of those who are not indifferent to other people's lives. But at the state level, this problem still remains insoluble.

Unfortunately, there is currently no other option for dealing with renal failure. So, for the sake of the desire to live, you have to look for funds for your treatment, even if it is expensive. Many patients even have to travel to other regions and regions to undergo procedures.

In medicine, hemodialysis is the process of extracorporeal (outside the body) purification of the blood from toxic metabolic products, as well as excess volumes of water in the blood plasma. The kidneys perform similar tasks in the body, but in some cases, for example, with various forms of renal failure, hemodialysis is vital.

Indications for hemodialysis

Indications for hemodialysis can be any processes that result in the saturation of the blood with toxic products of its own metabolism or substances that have entered the bloodstream from the outside.

In what situations is hemodialysis used most often?

For acute or chronic renal failure when the kidneys do not cope with their tasks of cleaning the blood and removing excess water from the body. Urea most often becomes autotoxic decomposition products. accumulated in blood plasma as a result of the breakdown of complex proteins, and creatinine- residual product of energy metabolism in muscle tissue.
In case of drug poisoning, mainly from the groups of barbiturates, salicylates, tranquilizers, antipsychotics, as well as containing salts of bromine, iodine and sulfa drugs.
In case of poisoning with large doses of ethyl alcohol, when the fastest possible blood cleansing is vital even with healthy kidneys.
In case of poisoning with methylates- a frequent occurrence among patients with chronic alcoholism, drinking, by chance or unknowingly, a certain amount of methyl alcohol.
Some pathologies, the pathogenesis of which leads to excessive accumulation of toxic products in tissues and blood plasma. A classic example of such a disease is prolonged compression syndrome, in which hemodialysis is performed regularly due to acute renal failure.
For diseases whose symptoms include active accumulation of fluid in vital cavities and organs. These are pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, acute heart failure, leading to the accumulation of large volumes of water in the pleural cavity.

It is not a method that is necessary for the pathogenesis of any complexity of the above reasons. His used only in the presence of such strict indications:

amount of urine, secreted during the day in a physiological way, less than 500 ml;
kidney functionality remains at the level not more than 15%, which is equal to purification of 200 ml of blood per minute;
urea concentration in blood plasma more than 35 mmol / l;
concentration creatinine - more than 1 mmol / l;
hyperkalemia - more than 6 mmol / l;
concentration blood bicarbonates below 20 mmol / l;
bright symptoms edema of the brain, pericardium, lungs not amenable to the methods of conservative therapy;
Clinical signs acute poisoning large volumes ethyl alcohol;
use any quantity methyl alcohol history.

Contraindications for hemodialysis

As stated, hemodialysis is a procedure that should be used only when needed.

However, there are some contraindications that limit or completely exclude hemodialysis, regardless of strict indications.

Acute or chronic infectious diseases, including focal.
During hemodialysis, blood pressure rises and the blood flow rate increases, which can contribute to the spread of microorganisms through the bloodstream and cause general blood poisoning - sepsis or inflammation in the area of the inner lining of the cardiac cavities, that is endocarditis... The lungs can also be the primary target for the colonization of pathogenic microflora.
Psychopathological disorders and diseases of the schizoid, epileptic and psychotic series.
The hemodialysis procedure causes a slight cerebral edema in the patient, which is almost always provokes an epileptic seizure or the manifestation of acute symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition, twilight states and the absence of any intellectual activity make the hemodialysis procedure impossible.
At .
In any phase of the pathological condition, hemodialysis is completely excluded due to the same cerebral edema.
Any form of tuberculosis.
It inhibits hemodialysis by virtue active spread of Koch's bacillus throughout the body as well as possible infection of other patients.
Malignant oncological pathologies.
The increased blood flow can contribute to the spread of metastases throughout the body.
Arterial hypertension.
If it is characterized by an increase in indicators up to 300 ml of mercury in systole and 160 mm in diastole. During hemodialysis, as is known, blood pressure rises, and this process is practically uncontrollable by drugs. If the procedure coincides with an attack of hypertension, the risks of heart attacks or strokes due to rupture of blood vessels.
Age over 70.
There are many objective contraindications for hemodialysis - age-related organic disorders in the heart muscle and the walls of blood vessels, diabetes as a risk factor for vascular weakness, lowered immunity, contributing to infectious infection.
Some blood pathologies.
This, for example, decreased coagulability, blood cancer, aplastic anemia... In the process of hemodialysis, in any case, blood corpuscles, in particular erythrocytes, are damaged, which further aggravates anemia, which is the main symptom of the above diseases.

It should be noted that, regardless of any contraindications, if there is a serious danger to the patient's life, hemodialysis is performed in any case. After all, there is a chance for salvation.

What is the hemodialysis procedure and the equipment used

The hemodialysis procedure is based on the physical phenomena of diffusion and convection - the ability of the membrane to pass some chemicals and retain others. To remove excess water, the so-called ultrafiltration process is used.

Artificial membrane installed in a hemodialyzer, which is selective for chemicals, the structure is replaceable - depending on the need for filtration of certain structures, an appropriate membrane is installed... The main physical criterion of the membrane is the diameter of the pores and their number located on its area, porosity. In this way, the quality of the filtration is regulated.

On one side of the membrane, the patient's blood is passed through, on the other there is a dialysis solution, which has the ability to "attract" certain chemicals. The composition of the dialysis fluid also depends on the indications for a certain pathological condition.

In addition to the function of blood purification, a hemodialyzer or "artificial kidney" has the ability to saturate the blood with various chemical substances, therefore, during hemodialysis, this opportunity is often used. For example, in order to restore the electrolyte composition of blood plasma. A prerequisite for hemodialysis is additional purification of blood from infectious agents.

Ultrafiltration is provided by increasing the pressure of the blood mass on the membrane intended for this purpose, and the dialysis fluid contains hydrophilic elements that attract water. Thus, the concentration of water in the plasma is reduced.

For hemodialysis is always taken venous blood only, as the most saturated with decay products. Blood from a venous catheter circulates through the hemodialyzer and returns to the body up a vein or through an artery.

Depending on the indications and the severity of the pathological processes, hemodialysis can be performed in different conditions.

At home, using a portable hemodialyzer. It is more often performed in cases of acute renal failure, when the filtering capacity of the kidneys is reduced.
In an outpatient clinic on stationary equipment often with acute renal failure or end-stage chronic.
In stationary conditions in especially severe cases of renal failure or in acute poisoning.

Given the weak capabilities of portable devices, hemodialysis at home is more often prescribed daily, for 2-4 hours. Stationary equipment is characterized by the best filtration quality, so the process is carried out 2-3 times a week. The quality of hemodialysis is determined by the amount of urea in the blood, as well as by the general clinical condition of the patient.

Complications during hemodialysis and the quality of life of patients

One of the most common reasons for the use of hemodialysis is an increased plasma water content when ultrafiltration is indicated. Side effects caused by a sharp decrease in the liquid part of the blood - plasma loss, often manifest themselves in different forms.

Active lowering of blood pressure.
Manifestation of fatigue.
Drowsiness.
The appearance of painful sensations in the legs.
Skeletal muscle cramps, usually of the lower extremities
Nausea.
Agonizing headaches.

The severity of these symptoms is highly dependent on the volume and rate of fluid removed.

With the massive use of hemodialyzers, infection with infectious diseases, in particular tuberculosis and hepatitis B, is possible.

Increased blood flow during hemodialysis can provoke the dispersal of pathogenic microflora throughout the body, which can lead to:

sepsis;
endocarditis;
osteomyelitis.

The first use of the hemodialyzer can provoke allergic reactions in the patient, due to the ingress of allergens into the blood from the surface of the membrane, which is due to its chemical structure and the use of aseptic measures for its cleaning. However, in order to reduce allergic manifestations, modern nephrology uses gamma radiation to sterilize membranes.

Long-term complications with frequent use of hemodialyzers, there may be:

amyloidosis of the liver;
neuropathies of various trunks;
The latter are caused by an increase in the left half of the heart due to increased blood pressure and blood flow during hemodialysis.

The kidneys perform a very important cleansing function in our body. Thanks to these paired organs, various toxins and waste products are eliminated, which helps to maintain human health. Unfortunately, there are situations when the urinary system fails, the kidneys cannot fully cleanse the body. In this case, patients have to resort to hemodialysis - an artificial blood purification.

What is kidney hemodialysis?

Kidney hemodialysis is a process of artificial blood purification from toxic substances, toxins and other waste products, as well as restoration of water and electrolyte balance. This procedure was first performed back in 1960. It is prescribed to this day, as it allows you to replace kidney function and maintain the normal functioning of the body for many years. Hemodialysis helps previously incurable patients survive and significantly increase their life span, which allows them to wait for their turn for a donor kidney transplant. This procedure is called chronic programmed hemodialysis, since it is required to carry out it several a week throughout the entire waiting period for the operation.

Unfortunately, this is a very expensive procedure. In Russia, there is a lack of necessary equipment, and some patients have to queue for a long time. According to the policy of Compulsory Medical Insurance (MHI), each patient with impaired renal function is annually allocated about one and a half million rubles for hemodialysis procedures. More than one hundred liters of dialysis fluid and disposable materials are used each time.

Hemodialysis is prescribed to patients in order to cleanse the blood from substances harmful to the body:

urea - protein breakdown product;
creatinine - a substance produced in muscles and released into the blood;
poisons - arsenic, strontium, aniline, nitrobenzene and others;
components of medicinal preparations;
ethyl and methyl alcohol;
electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine);
excess water.

The blood plasma contains a large amount of water, organic and inorganic substances, the level of which must be controlled

How the blood purifier works

In some sources, a hemodialysis device is called an "artificial kidney", which is quite consistent with the essence of its functions. The device performs similar actions, sequentially cleansing and returning blood back to the body. It consists of the following parts:

dialyzer;
blood supply device;
devices for preparation and delivery of dialysate solution.

The hemodialysis machine is also called an "artificial kidney"

During the procedure, the blood is purified through a special semi-permeable membrane with very small pores. With a roller pump, blood is pumped into the dialyzer at a rate of approximately 350 ml per minute. The hemodialysis solution flows in the opposite direction at a slightly higher speed - 500 ml / min., It sucks out excess water and waste products from the blood. This occurs due to diffusion, during which substances from liquids with a higher density pass into a liquid with a lower density. It is through this process that the blood is cleansed of toxins.

Due to diffusion, the patient's blood is cleared of unnecessary substances and retains the required amount of electrolytes

So that only the required amount of electrolytes remains in the blood, they are added in a diffuse solution at a concentration corresponding to the indicators of a healthy person. If the patient had more potassium, sodium, chlorine or calcium, then their level will level off to normal values. In case of a lack of substances, they will pass from the diffuse solution into the blood and replenish it.

The dialysis solution is selected individually for each patient. Most often, the level of potassium and sodium is corrected depending on the initial amount of electrolytes in the blood.

A very important point is the regulation of the acid-base balance (pH) in human blood. For this, during hemodialysis, a special substance is added to the buffer fluid - sodium bicarbonate. Once in the plasma, it gradually enters the red blood cells, increasing the pH level.

Another problem for people with kidney failure is excess water, which is very poorly excreted from the body. This can lead to edema not only of the extremities, but also of the internal organs. In the artificial kidney machine, a pressure difference is created between the blood and the dialysate, which allows excess fluid to be removed into the dialysate.

Also, during hemodialysis, thrombosis is prevented by the gradual introduction of heparin into the blood, which interferes with blood clotting. To prevent the ingress of air, a special "trap" is used, which eliminates bubbles and formed foam.

Video: blood purification using the "artificial kidney" apparatus

Difference from peritoneal dialysis

There is an alternative way to purify the blood - peritoneal dialysis. It differs in that the patient's peritoneum is used as a membrane. The catheter is inserted directly into the abdominal cavity, with its help dialysate with glucose, electrolytes and other necessary substances is poured inside. The inner surface of the peritoneum performs filtering functions and allows only small particles to pass through. After about 20-50 minutes, the fluid is sucked back and a new portion of dialysate is poured. The duration of the procedure itself may even be several days.

Peritoneal dialysis is less effective than hemodialysis and is less effective at restoring the level of electrolytes and other substances in the blood plasma. Among other things, the risk of infection is significantly increased due to the inserted catheter.

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the methods of blood purification for chronic renal failure

Video: how peritoneal dialysis is performed

Methods for carrying out the hemodialysis procedure

The implementation of the hemodialysis procedure may differ depending on the location. Which type is suitable for the patient can only be decided by the attending physician. The material capabilities of the patient also matter. In some cases, you have to buy expensive equipment to make the procedure more comfortable.

Cleansing the blood at home

This type of hemodialysis is suitable for those patients who can afford to buy a special expensive device and do not need constant medical supervision. To use such a device at home, the patient's relatives or he himself must undergo special training courses. Particularly popular is the Nxstage Medical's Portable System One, which is used by most patients with renal failure in Europe.

Since the device is at the constant disposal of the patient, he can control his own schedule and choose a convenient time for the procedure.

Typically, hemodialysis takes about two hours a day. Thanks to this, people can work, lead an active lifestyle and even travel. A big plus is the fact that if only one person uses the device, then the risk of contracting hepatitis is zero. Unfortunately, to buy such a home setup will require an impressive amount of about $ 20,000.

With the help of the system for home hemodialysis, the patient can greatly simplify his life and carry out the procedure at any convenient time.

Outpatient hemodialysis

There are special centers with a large number of dialysis units. In this case, patients are registered and, in turn, come to the blood purification sessions. Usually three treatments per week are prescribed for about four hours. Qualified medical personnel work with each patient, who study the test results and promptly change the composition of the dialysate solution. Of course, there is a risk of contracting hepatitis if the equipment is not sterilized properly.

There are special centers for hemodialysis, where a large number of patients come every day.

Carrying out hemodialysis in stationary conditions

Most hospitals and health centers have dialysis machines. They are used in emergency cases when patients are presented with poisoning or acute renal failure. The only difference between such procedures is that a person is constantly in a medical institution and does not go home after hemodialysis.

Among other things, the speed and quality of hemodialysis may vary depending on which device is used to purify blood:

Normal dialysis takes about five hours and is the slowest type of blood purification in kidney failure. Special low-permeability filters are used that allow only the smallest molecules to pass through. Blood flow rate - up to 300 ml / min.
Highly efficient dialysis is performed using more advanced membranes that increase the blood flow rate up to 500 ml / min. Cleansing is faster, and the duration of the procedure itself is reduced to 3-4 hours.
High-flux dialysis is performed using special filters with high permeability, which allows you to increase the amount of substances from which blood can be purified. This is one of the most effective types of hemodialysis, the risk of developing anemia and various complications is reduced in patients.

Video: what the patient needs to know about the hemodialysis procedure

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a very important procedure that saves the lives of thousands of patients around the world. It has many advantages:

the ability to maintain the life of patients with renal failure for a long time;
painlessness;
the possibility of emergency blood cleansing from deadly poisons;
between sessions, you can lead a normal life.

Of course, like any procedure, hemodialysis has a number of disadvantages:

with hemodialysis in inpatient and outpatient conditions, sometimes you have to wait a long time for your turn;
it is necessary to undergo the procedure several times a week, which interferes with the usual way of life;
the cost of one procedure in the absence of a compulsory medical insurance policy is very high, from 7 thousand rubles;
there is a risk of contracting hepatitis B and C.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

Hemodialysis is a very serious procedure that is prescribed only for:

chronic renal failure (CRF). If the kidneys work only by 10%, then at least three sessions per week are prescribed, if by 20% - at least two. In the event that blood tests show an increased amount of toxins, more frequent hemodialysis will be required. Typically, these patients are prescribed the procedure for life or before kidney transplant surgery;
acute renal failure (ARF). This condition can be caused by various diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, etc. Such patients need to urgently cleanse the blood of toxins and remove excess fluid from the body. Sometimes just one procedure is enough, and the kidneys begin to function normally after the removal of toxic substances. If there is no improvement, hemodialysis is carried out until the patient's condition is normalized and satisfactory test results are obtained;
poisoning with toxic substances such as arsenic, pale toadstool poison, etc. In this case, the patient is prescribed emergency hemodialysis. Depending on the indications, one procedure lasting about twelve hours or three sessions of four hours each in one day can be performed. It helps to avoid kidney failure and removes the poison from the body;
poisoning with various drugs. If this procedure is carried out in a timely manner, renal and liver failure can be avoided. Depending on the type of medication, the doctor will select a special dialysis fluid (oil emulsion, water solutions). For many patients, only one session is enough; in more severe cases, the procedure is carried out three days in a row;
poisoning with methylene alcohol and ethylene glycol. Emergency hemodialysis is performed in a hospital if the amount of methanol exceeds 0.5 g / l. Typically, the patient is given one twelve hour treatment;
poisoning with narcotic substances containing opium. Emergency hemodialysis can save a patient from liver and kidney failure. Usually, in such cases, several procedures are carried out within one day;
excess water content in the body, leading to edema of the internal organs. Hemodialysis removes excess fluid and lowers blood pressure. The number of sessions and their duration depend on the patient's condition;
a critical decrease in the level of electrolytes in the blood after burns, dehydration, peritonitis and other serious conditions. The number of hemodialysis procedures and their duration are assigned to the patient individually, depending on his condition and the rate of health recovery.

However, even these diseases and serious conditions do not always indicate the need for hemodialysis. This procedure is prescribed only in the presence of certain indicators:

the amount of urine excreted less than 500 ml per day (oligoanuria);
preservation of kidney function by 10-15%, when they cleanse less than 200 ml of blood per minute;
the level of urea in the blood plasma is more than 35 mmol / l;
plasma creatinine concentration is more than 1 mmol / l;
the content of potassium in the blood plasma is more than 6 mmol / l;
the level of standard blood bicarbonate is below 20 mmol / l;
signs of increasing edema of the brain, heart, lungs, which cannot be removed with drugs.

Like any other procedure, hemodialysis has contraindications. However, in emergency situations, when the patient's life is at risk, doctors carry out blood purification even if there are any restrictions. The procedure should be postponed or canceled if the following diseases exist:

various infectious lesions that can provoke extensive sepsis due to accelerated blood flow;
recent stroke;
mental illness, since a slight cerebral edema during the procedure can provoke their exacerbation;
active tuberculosis, since it can spread with the blood flow, patients with this disease are prohibited from attending hemodialysis centers;
oncological tumors - can more metastasize due to the movement of atypical cells along the bloodstream;
chronic heart failure, recently transferred;
malignant arterial hypertension;
diabetes in patients over 80 years old - due to disorders of the cardiovascular system;
blood diseases such as anemia, leukemia, etc.

Features of the procedure for pregnant women, children and elderly patients

During pregnancy, they try not to carry out hemodialysis without emergency indications. This procedure increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Also, the fetus often decreases in weight. If a woman has kidney failure, doctors will recommend conceiving a child only after a kidney transplant.

For a woman with renal failure, doctors recommend planning a pregnancy only after a successful kidney transplant; during the period of bearing a child, hemodialysis is tried not to be carried out without emergency indications

In elderly patients, hemodialysis can be difficult, since they often have various age-related changes affecting the cardiovascular system. The walls of the veins are weakened, thinned and no longer able to cope with the increased stress during hemodialysis.

In newborns and preschool children, it is sometimes difficult to install a catheter of the right size, since they still have insufficiently wide vessels. Sometimes it is necessary to use the femoral vein, although this is not advisable if a kidney transplant is planned in the near future. When carrying out hemodialysis in children, the speed of blood movement through the equipment is sometimes reduced. There is a high risk of a sharp drop in blood pressure, which requires emergency resuscitation measures.

Video: what causes kidney failure

Execution method

Before each hemodialysis procedure, the patient is examined by a specialist. The doctor measures pressure, temperature, pulse, weight. Also, about a week before the procedure, a hepatitis vaccine is given. A special fistula is inserted into the selected vessel a few days before the session. Hemodialysis is performed as follows:

The patient is placed in a special chair or on a couch in a reclining state.
The tubes from the apparatus are connected to the vessels.
The action of the pump forces the blood to flow into the dialyzer, where it contacts the solution through a special membrane.
Purified and enriched with special substances, blood flows back into the body through another vein.

The number of sessions and the time of their carrying out depend on the patient's condition and his diagnosis. For some, one session is enough, others are prescribed hemodialysis every day, but in most cases it is required 3-4 times a week. The duration of the procedure is also individual, from 1 to 14 hours.

If it is possible to purchase a device for carrying out hemodialysis at home, then the patient can carry out procedures not only at home, but also at work, on business trips, in any other conditions.

During hemodialysis, blood from one vein enters the apparatus, and then returns back to the body, already purified and enriched with the necessary substances

Recovery after hemodialysis

After the procedure, the patient's blood pressure is measured. If it is normal, then the person can return to his usual activities. The fistula inserted into the vein must always be kept clean to avoid infection. During the day after hemodialysis, you need to monitor your health, measure your temperature, if necessary. If you feel worse, you must urgently consult a doctor. In some cases, the following drugs are prescribed to the patient:

dietary supplements with calcium and vitamins;
diuretics to eliminate excess fluid;
iron preparations to improve blood counts;
laxatives if the patient is suffering from constipation;
phosphorus binders to reduce the amount of phosphorus;
drugs to lower or increase blood pressure.

Video: how to reduce the amount of water in the body between hemodialysis procedures

Potential consequences and complications

The "artificial kidney" device allows patients to increase their life expectancy by 10-25 years, depending on the general condition of the body. This procedure has become a real salvation for a huge number of people. But despite all the advantages, there is a high risk of various complications:

decrease or increase in blood pressure;
seizures;
loss of consciousness;
headaches;
epileptic seizures;
acute bleeding from the access site;
allergic reactions;
nausea;
itching;
arrhythmias;
edema of the brain;
gastric bleeding;
impaired osmolality syndrome;
stroke;
heart attack;
infection with hepatitis C and B;
infectious infection.

Fatalities during hemodialysis are extremely rare, their main cause is an increase in blood pressure, which provokes heart attacks and strokes. Also, deaths often occur due to edema of the brain and lungs.

Diet for kidney hemodialysis

The condition of a patient who is often undergoing hemodialysis procedures is very dependent on his diet. Due to the frequent cleansing of the blood, metabolism is disturbed, useful trace elements are removed, and a lack of protein develops. Therefore, patients are prescribed a special individual diet. Doctors recommend keeping a food diary to keep track of all the foods you eat. It is also important to keep track of the amount of water and other liquids you drink.

The list of permitted and prohibited foods may change during the course of treatment.

The hemodialysis diet is based on treatment table # 7. It is aimed at reducing the accumulation of waste products and replenishing the missing substances:

The protein intake rate increases to 1–1.2 g / kg of body weight per day, and it turns out to be about 50–80 g per day. During hemodialysis, protein is lost and its absorption worsens, and the rate of decay increases. Because of this, patients are shown to eat more dietary meat (turkey, rabbit) and products containing protein (eggs, cottage cheese).
The required energy value of the diet per day should reach 35–40 kcal / kg of the patient's weight. On average, about 2800 kcal per day. For bedridden patients, these indicators may slightly decrease.
The patient's diet should not contain large amounts of fat. The optimal would be 100 g per day. It is worth reducing your intake of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids.
It is necessary to add vegetable oils and fish rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to food.
In case of low glucose levels, you can use honey, candy, jam. Diabetes mellitus is a contraindication.
It is very important to control the amount of table salt, it should not exceed 4 g per day. Usually food is not salted and any chips, smoked meats, dried fish, pickles, semi-finished products, etc. are excluded.
It is necessary to reduce the consumption of foods containing potassium (dried fruits, bananas, nuts, beans, mushrooms, herbs, rice, vegetables, chocolate, instant coffee). It is possible to consume only 3 g of potassium per day, that is, it is allowed to consume no more than one raw vegetable and fruit containing a large amount of this element per day.
Phosphorus is removed from the blood with great difficulty using hemodialysis, so you need to reduce the use of products with its content (nuts, cereals, bran, legumes, whole grains).

Prohibited foods during hemodialysis:

legumes;
meat broths;
mushrooms;
fat meat;
canned food;
processed cheese products;
pickles;
margarine;
peaches;
apricots;
dried fruits;
pepper;
cinnamon.

Photo gallery: foods that should be removed from the diet when undergoing hemodialysis

Legumes contain potassium and phosphorus, which are removed from the body by hemodialysis Fatty meat broth - a source of cholesterol Pickles retain fluid in the body Dried fruits are a source of potassium, the amount of which doctors recommend to reduce when undergoing hemodialysis

It is usually enough for patients to drink 800-1000 ml of water a day. If you overdo it with fluid intake, edema may appear, body weight will increase, and blood pressure will increase.

The approximate patient menu may consist of the following dishes:

boiled lean fish (cod, pollock, pike);
boiled chicken, turkey, rabbit;
boiled potatoes;
salt-free bread;
omelet;
rosehip infusion;
vegetable broths;
vinaigrette without salt.

Video: nutrition for chronic renal failure

Healthy kidneys have several critical functions. One of them, the most famous, is excretory. The kidneys repeatedly pump all the blood through themselves, select toxins, decay products, toxins, microbes from it and remove them along with urine from the body.

When the kidneys begin to perform only 10% or 15% of their functions, they stop properly filtering blood and producing urine. This leads to the accumulation of excess fluid and toxins in the body. can lead to dire consequences and even death. Fortunately, advances in modern medicine and proper treatment can actually restore kidney function and thus keep the body alive. For this, hemodialysis is used.

Extrarenal blood cleansing - hemodialysis. What is a dialyzer?

Hemodialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy that can replace kidney function. The device allows you to filter blood, remove excess fluid and maintain a normal electrolyte balance. The hemodialysis procedure involves removing blood from the body and then filtering it in a special device - a dialyzer. The device is also called an "artificial kidney".

It is known that, on average, a person has about 5-6 liters of blood. During hemodialysis, only about 500 ml is outside the human body at one time. The first dialyzers were rather bulky, multi-kilogram devices, inside which a cellulose membrane was placed. Modern dialyzers are quite compact and easy to use. They perform their functions perfectly and at the same time monitor many important variables: blood flow and pressure, the amount of fluid removed, etc. The artificial kidneys have two sections:

section for dialysis fluid;
section for blood.

These two compartments are separated from each other by a semi-permeable synthetic or semi-synthetic membrane, so the blood and solution never mix. This membrane consists of 0.2 mm diameter capillary fibers. It is "packed" into a cylinder, 30 cm long and 5 - 6 cm in diameter. The semi-permeable membrane has microscopic pores that allow only a few substances to penetrate through it. In particular, it allows water and toxic substances to pass through: urea, uric acid, excess sodium and potassium, but does not allow red blood cells to pass.

Dialysis fluid functions

A special dialysis solution is supplied to one of the sections of the dialyzer. In its composition, it is similar to blood plasma, or rather, to its liquid part. It is pure water with electrolytes and salts such as sodium bicarbonate. Its composition varies depending on the content of electrolytes in the patient's plasma, including the concentration of chlorine and sodium. The main function of the dialysate solution is to remove toxic substances from the patient's blood. This is made possible by diffusion. The patient's blood is fed through tubes to the dialyzer compartment. In a person with renal failure, it contains a large amount of waste: decay products, sodium, potassium. These toxic substances pass through a semi-permeable membrane. And the dialysis solution "washes" its walls, thereby removing all harmful substances. Thus, the patient's blood is cleansed of toxins and toxins.

In addition, excess fluid is removed from the blood in the dialyzer. Ultrafiltration is carried out by means of transmembrane pressure maintained by a special pump. On average, in one hemodialysis session, the patient gets rid of 1.5 to 2 liters of excess fluid. Modern hemodialysis machines are equipped with blocks for automatic determination of the required pressure to remove water. After filtration, the blood is returned to the patient's body.

How is the blood purification procedure carried out? Connecting the patient to the dialyzer

If during the procedure, the patient feels a deterioration in well-being, he can ask the health care provider to adjust the dialysis rate or the composition of the solution.

When a patient comes for hemodialysis, a nurse or other healthcare professional checks vital signs such as blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. It reflects the amount of excess fluid that needs to be removed during a therapeutic procedure. Then the patient is connected to the device. How does this happen? When carrying out hemodialysis, to ensure the flow of blood into the dialyzer from the body and vice versa, the following can be used:

arteriovenous fistula;
central venous catheter;
graft.

A fistula can increase blood flow in a vein by strengthening its wall and making it larger in diameter. This fistula is recommended by many doctors, as it makes the vein suitable for regular needle insertion. For temporary access, with a single dialysis, a central venous catheter, a soft tube inserted into a vein in the chest, neck, or thigh, is used. In some cases, for example, when it is not possible to place a fistula, a graft is used - a synthetic tube, but because of it, various complications often arise. Two needles are inserted into the body of a patient with a fistula or graft and fixed with a plaster. Each of the needles connects to a plastic tube that leads to the dialyzer. Through one tube, the blood will enter the apparatus, where it is filtered and purified from toxins and toxins. The second tube will return the purified blood to the patient's body.

After inserting the needles, the dialyzer is programmed and the direct blood purification begins. During the procedure, the pulse rate and blood pressure must be monitored, since the withdrawal of a significant amount of fluid can provoke fluctuations in these indicators. At the end of hemodialysis, the healthcare professional removes the needles from the patient and applies a pressure bandage to the puncture sites to prevent bleeding. Finally, the patient is weighed again and the amount of fluid removed is determined.

It is worth noting that during the procedure, a person may experience unpleasant symptoms: nausea, spasmodic pain in the abdomen, etc. They appear due to the withdrawal of a large amount of accumulated fluid. In case of discomfort, you can ask the medical staff to adjust the hemodialysis rate and the composition of the dialysis fluid.

How often should hemodialysis be performed?

The blood purification procedure takes quite a long time. Within a few hours, the dialyzer removes toxic substances and excess fluid from the blood. Typically, for patients with renal failure, hemodialysis is required three times a week, for four hours in each session. The attending physician selects the duration of procedures individually suitable for each patient. One hemodialysis session can last from 3 to 5 hours on average. One procedure can only be shorter in time if the patient has residual renal function. Some patients feel that hemodialysis takes too long. But it's worth remembering that healthy kidneys are constantly working, and an artificial kidney must do its job in 12 or less hours a week.

In addition to visiting the medical center three times a day, there is also an alternative treatment schedule. It includes night and day treatments. They are offered to patients undergoing hemodialysis at home. The overnight blood purification procedure lasts for 8 hours while the patient is asleep. It takes longer than the usual session, so patients report that they feel better than after standard hemodialysis. Many medical centers have begun to offer an overnight blood purification procedure based on patient requests, their better health, and excellent laboratory results. Short day treatments are performed five or six times a week for 2 to 3 hours. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in home hemodialysis or overnight treatments offered by health centers.

Pros and cons of hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is an effective treatment for those with advanced renal failure. But still, he alone cannot fully replace the work of healthy kidneys. Complex treatment for patients with renal insufficiency also includes diet and fluid restriction. Diet means limiting the use of foods containing phosphorus, potassium and sodium. In addition, you may need to take a variety of medications that regulate blood pressure and stimulate red blood cell production to prevent it.

Outpatient treatment, which involves regular visits to a medical center to receive hemodialysis, has advantages and disadvantages. The most important advantage is that the patient is under the supervision of competent specialists, can always count on the professional conduct of the procedure and the attentive attitude of the staff. During the procedure, people can rest: sleep, read books, write, watch TV, listen to music, and quietly communicate with neighbors. On the other four days of the week, they do not need to come to the center. The disadvantage of this type of treatment may be the need for regular and long trips to the treatment center. In addition, some patients report that they feel tired and exhausted after hemodialysis, therefore, when they come home, they rest and sleep.

Patients who choose night hemodialysis (at home or in the center) say that the feeling of fatigue, as well as unpleasant, painful symptoms do not appear. Due to the fact that the blood purification procedure is carried out during sleep, people note that they feel more free, because they do not need to allocate time for hemodialysis during the day. This improves the quality of life and the patients feel “normal”. People who perform hemodialysis at home enjoy a sense of control over their lives. Instead of going to the center at a certain time, they carry out the procedures on their own, choosing the right moment in their schedule.

There is another, alternative way to purify the blood: peritoneal dialysis. It is a treatment method in which a silicone catheter is implanted into the patient's abdominal cavity. Through this tube, several liters of dialysis solution are injected into the body, which cleanses the body of toxins and toxins. The spent solution is discarded. During the day, the procedure is repeated 4 to 10 times. The patient also needs to adhere to a diet and limit the amount of fluid consumed. Peritoneal dialysis is performed daily. As a rule, this procedure is carried out at home, and therefore the patient does not need to visit medical centers three times a week. Often, peritoneal dialysis is performed at night, which makes life easier for the patient, allowing them to work, attend school, or travel fearlessly.

All types of treatment have their own advantages and disadvantages. Based on your preferences and the medical treatment required, you and your doctor can discuss all the options and choose which one is most suitable for you.

What is hemodialysis for?

The most common causes of kidney failure are:

high blood pressure - ;
kidney inflammation ();
inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis);
kidney cysts ().

Sometimes the kidneys can suddenly fail (acute kidney damage) - after a serious illness, difficult surgery, or heart attack. Certain medications can also cause kidney failure.

Your healthcare provider will help you determine when you should start hemodialysis based on several factors: general health, kidney function, signals and symptoms, quality of life, and personal preference. Kidney failure (uremia) is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as: vomiting, excessive swelling, or chronic fatigue. The doctor, after listening to your complaints, will carry out the necessary diagnostics and tests, be sure to assess the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and draw a conclusion about the functioning of the kidneys. GFR is calculated based on various variables: blood creatinine levels, gender, age, etc. Normally, GFR rates change with age. Evaluation of GFR will allow planning the course of treatment and setting a date for hemodialysis. Typically, blood purification begins before the kidneys are completely out of function, preventing life-threatening complications. Hemodialysis helps your body control blood pressure and maintain balance of fluids and various minerals such as potassium and sodium.

Some people with may choose a different path: conservative treatment. It includes the active elimination of the underlying disease that led to impaired renal function and complications resulting from this, including edema, high blood pressure, anemia. Conservative treatment focuses on managing symptoms that affect quality of life, nutritional care, and adequate fluid intake.

Results of hemodialysis

The blood flows through the tube into the hemodialysis machine, it is cleaned and returned to the body through another tube.

If the patient has acute kidney damage, hemodialysis may be needed for a short time until kidney function recovers. In the presence of chronic renal failure, artificial blood purification may be required for a significant period of time. In this case, the chances of recovery and subsequent independence from hemodialysis are severely reduced. If blood purification is prescribed in a critical situation, hemodialysis may be required for the rest of the patient's life. In this case, the attending physician will help you choose the optimal course of therapy.

Patients with kidney problems can receive hemodialysis at a health center, at home, or in a hospital. The frequency of the procedures will depend on their individual situation and health indicators. The overwhelming majority of patients receive hemodialysis on an outpatient basis, visiting medical centers three times a week and spending 3-5 hours on the procedure.

Some studies show that home dialysis can improve the quality of life, reduce or completely eliminate unpleasant symptoms: headaches, shortness of breath, improve appetite, improve sleep and increase performance.

Daytime hemodialysis involves shorter but more frequent procedures: 2 to 3 hours, 6 to 7 days a week. A simple dialysis machine makes home procedures less time consuming. Once trained, any patient will be able to perform blood purification on their own. Including to carry out hemodialysis during sleep. Now patients with renal failure have the opportunity to enjoy life and travel: in different countries there are dialysis centers, where you can always get the required medical care. The main thing is to plan your visit in advance.

What other measures should be taken in a patient with renal failure?

For best results in restoring kidney function, in addition to hemodialysis, the patient is advised to adhere to a diet. You should eat the right, wholesome foods, carefully monitor your intake of fluids, protein, sodium, phosphorus and potassium. It is recommended that you develop an individual nutritional plan under the guidance of a nutritionist and adhere to it strictly. The daily menu should include protein-rich foods: fish, chicken, lean meat. Foods containing significant amounts of potassium should be discarded. Eating bananas, potatoes, chocolate, dried fruits and nuts can lead to complications. You should limit the use of salt, smoked meats, sausages, pickles. Eating the right diet will help improve the results of hemodialysis and your overall well-being.

In addition to diet, fluid intake should be limited. It is believed that the weight of a patient with renal failure should not increase by more than 5% of the total body weight in the intervals between hemodialysis. Heavy fluid intake can cause swelling and hypertension. In addition, patients with renal impairment should take their prescribed medications. Strict adherence to your doctor's instructions will allow you to recover faster and restore the functioning of your body systems.

Finally, you need to trust your doctor and not be afraid to discuss with him any questions that arise. Your doctor will closely monitor your health to make sure hemodialysis is properly cleaning your blood. Including he will regularly measure weight and blood pressure before, during and after treatment. In addition, once a month you will undergo tests, including a biochemical blood test, a total urea clearance test, etc. Based on the results obtained, the attending physician will adjust the intensity and frequency of hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis is a medical apparatus procedure by which the lost functions of the renal system are artificially restored to patients.

Hemodialysis is considered a relatively new technique that has been used in practice for no more than forty years.

Thanks to this procedure, the blood of sick people who do not have a kidney or this organ does not work well is cleansed of toxins. If indicated, unfortunately, patients are shown a lifelong course of hemodialysis. How long they live with this method of treatment is of interest to all sick people. Hemodialysis is based on the principle of an artificial kidney. In most cases of medical practice, it is thanks to this procedure that patients can live with acute and chronic renal failure.

Of course, there is another method of dealing with this condition - a kidney transplant, but organ transplantation in our country is considered a very expensive procedure, and a sick person can wait for the organ itself for years.

If we consider the statistics, the hemodialysis procedure (how long such patients live, no doctor will say for sure) prolongs a person's life for tens of years. Despite this, each case is individual and largely depends on the patient's lifestyle, his initial diagnosis and condition.

Hemodialysis itself is a special filtering system that has several catheters and one outlet for supplying a dialysate solution, which filters blood using special membranes.

Passing through these filters, the blood is purified, so most of the dangerous toxins are eliminated from it.

It should be noted that with an advanced form of renal failure, the patient needs not only to cleanse the blood, but also to control the level of fluid in the body in order to reduce the likelihood of edema.

The number of hemodialysis sessions is selected for each patient individually. There is no definite scheme here, since each patient case is considered separately. As a rule, three hemodialysis procedures are performed per week.

The duration of one session is about five hours. Despite this, due to the fact that modern membranes may already be more effective, hemodialysis can be performed twice a week for two hours (provided that the blood is purified more strongly).

In the event that the patient's kidneys restore their functions, then the procedure can be performed less frequently (based on the indications and condition of the person). That is why a patient with renal failure needs to be regularly tested and examined by a doctor.

Most often, hemodialysis is practiced in a hospital setting, but there are already modern portable devices that allow this procedure to be carried out at home.

Hemodialysis can be practiced not only with renal failure, but also with severe poisoning. Also, this method is able to save a person's life in case of drug overdose. Moreover, it is important to note that it is vital to carry out hemodialysis when conventional drug therapy is unable to maintain normal renal function.

You should know

The earlier a person starts hemodialysis, the more likely they are to make their life span longer.

At the same time, it is important to dispel the myth that this method should be practiced even when the kidneys have completely failed. In fact, this is not the case, because the longer the patient drags on hemodialysis, the more harm his body receives. As for the procedure itself, in addition to the main indications, the number of sessions is also determined taking into account the weight, age and the presence of additional chronic diseases of the patient.

Kidney dialysis: how long they live, and what it does with the body

Hardware dialysis is used for impaired renal function in a patient and their failure at various stages.

Many patients are afraid of dialysis, explaining that this procedure has a high risk of death. Of course, this method can cause a blood clot in the catheter, an improperly prepared solution or a malfunction in the apparatus, but much more often the cause of death is inaction in treatment, that is, when a person hesitates to start hemodialysis and dies from the main problem - renal failure. If we consider kidney dialysis, how long they live when performing this procedure, then we can say for sure that this method extends the patient's life by at least another ten years. At the same time, there is still no precisely inferred lifespan of a person with kidney dialysis, how long patients live depends on the severity of their condition and the initial functions of the kidneys in the body.

Kidney dialysis has the following effects on the body:

Cleanses the body from toxins and toxins, preventing their accumulation.
Cleans the blood from excess salt and fluid.
Controls the level of important trace elements in the blood.
Adjusts the patient's blood pressure.
Eliminates anemia.
Almost completely replaces the functions of the kidneys, that is, performs their "work" in the body.

Due to the fact that modern medicine is constantly improving, today a person's need for dialysis is not a death sentence at all, but only a necessary life measure. And if ten years ago, patients with trembling awaited the next dialysis procedure, now during it they can listen to music or watch a movie.

Moreover, with a certain financial support, a person can install dialysis equipment at home and visit a doctor only for a follow-up examination. While patients wait for a kidney transplant, which can take years, they are forced to dialysis regularly. As practice shows, the average life expectancy for people with complete kidney failure on dialysis is 12-15 years.

If the patient's condition is neglected, then this period can be shortened to six years. Such statistics are substantiated by the fact that in case of kidney failure, a person has practically no immunity, therefore, any, even not dangerous, infectious disease can become a death sentence for a person. This is also confirmed by the fact that patients with renal failure usually die not from it, but from concomitant diseases.

In the early stages of dialysis, death is more likely because this blood purification procedure itself is not suitable for everyone. That is why a person must understand that if the first dialysis was successful, then there is a high probability that he will live at least another six years. In our country, people can live on dialysis for up to twenty years, although in the world patients can lead a full life for more than thirty years.