Dialysis is a treatment that can extend and improve the lives of people with end-stage renal failure. However, dialysis has a number of inherent risks, which are amplified in patients who are at risk of complications, such as the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.
Dialysis
The kidneys are in charge of eliminating excess fluid and turning excess materials into urine, which is eventually evacuated in the majority of cases. Patients with impaired renal function, on the other hand, frequently require dialysis. Dialysis is a medical procedure that aids patients with failing kidneys, such as those suffering from renal disease, in performing functions normally performed by the kidneys.
Those who do not get dialysis and have kidney difficulties risk a toxic build-up of fluid and waste bi-products, which can have serious health repercussions, including death. As a result, dialysis improves the quality of life for many individuals.
Dialysis is required when the kidneys are unable to filter waste from the blood. This could happen as a result of some chronic acute diseases, hazardous pollution exposure, or drug use.
Dialysis is a kidney failure treatment. Your kidneys do not filter blood as well as they should when you have renal failure. Wastes and poisons build up in the bloodstream as a result of this. Dialysis assists your kidneys in eliminating waste products and extra fluid from your bloodstream.
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for many people with severe chronic renal illness since the quality of life and survival rates are typically higher than those who get dialysis. However, there is a shortage of organs available for donation. Many people who are eligible for a kidney transplant are put on a waiting list and must rely on dialysis until a donor kidney is found.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dialysis and Kidney Transplant gcse
Benefits of Kidney Transplant Over Dialysis
Kidney transplantation has a lot of benefits. The majority of patients will return to a virtually normal life within the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. With the exception of the medications they must take in the mornings and evenings, their social and professional lives will remain normal. They will no longer be depending on a machine for 3-4 hours each session, three times each week, as they are with dialysis.
Disadvantages of Kidney Transplant
Transplanting a kidney is a potentially dangerous surgical procedure in and of itself. Infection, injury to adjacent organs, haemorrhage, and even death are all typical hazards associated with the surgery. According to some research, kidney transplants shorten the life expectancy of most donors by 0.5 to 1 year.
Advantages of Dialysis
Advantages of Peritoneal Dialysis
One of the biggest advantages of PD over hemodialysis is that it may be done in the comfort of the patient’s own home. All that is required is a toilet with running water, a sterile room of the house in which to perform the treatment, and storage space for the dialysis fluid. As a result of this, patients are able to travel.
If an elderly person is unable to perform the treatment alone, a professional caregiver or community nurse may be able to assist them. Even while the patient is sleeping, the treatment can be carried out.
Advantages of Hemodialysis
One of the most significant advantages of hemodialysis versus PD would be that it allows patients to receive therapy four times per week. Patients’ quality of life may be improved as a result of this since they will have greater independence.
Disadvantages of Dialysis
One of the most significant disadvantages of PD is that it must be completed every day, which may be inconvenient for some. Additionally, PD may raise the risk of developing peritonitis, an infection of the abdomen. Peritoneal thickening and scarring can occur in certain persons, but this is quite uncommon. To avoid this, patients may need to go to hemodialysis therapy.
Scarring and thickening of peritoneum can occur in some patients in very uncommon circumstances. Patients may need to switch to hemodialysis to avoid this.
Furthermore, dialysis patients may have greater weariness and malnutrition as a result of the dialysis fluid, which lowers protein levels.
One of the most major disadvantages of hemodialysis, in contrast to PD, is that it requires patients to visit the hospital three times a week for four – hour sessions. However, some individuals may be able to do hemodialysis at home.
Patients who travel to another country must also locate hospitals or clinics where they can undergo dialysis while on the road. Furthermore, people who choose hemodialysis may have dietary and hydration restrictions.
Conclusion
Renal failure patients receive dialysis as a treatment. Renal failure is a condition in which your kidneys quit filtering blood. Wastes and toxins accumulate in your bloodstream as a result. Dialysis supports the function of your kidneys by eliminating waste and excess fluid from your blood.
One of the biggest drawbacks of PD is that it must be performed every day, which can be problematic for certain people.
In contrast to PD, one of the most significant disadvantages of hemodialysis is that treatment needs patients to attend the hospital three times a week for four-hour sessions.
For many persons with severe chronic renal disease, kidney transplantation is the therapy of choice since the quality of life and survival rates are often higher than those who get dialysis.