Kidney Dialysis

If your kidneys reach a point where they can no longer remove excess fluid and waste from your body, you may need dialysis. Your Virtua Advanced Transplant & Organ Health nephrologist will help you decide when to begin and the type of dialysis that works best for you.

What Is Kidney Dialysis?

Dialysis takes the place of your kidneys when they stop functioning properly, filtering your blood and removing waste products and excess fluids from your body.

What Are the Types of Dialysis Treatment?

There are three main types of dialysis. You and your kidney specialist will decide which form is best for you.

• In-center hemodialysis: The most common form of dialysis, you go to a dialysis center three times a week. With hemodialysis, a machine removes blood from your body, filters it through a dialyzer, and returns the clean blood to you. Each treatment at a dialysis center lasts about four hours.
• At-home hemodialysis: Performed in the comfort of your own home, you undergo dialysis five to seven times a week with the help of a trained partner. This type of dialysis allows for a more flexible schedule, saves travel time to and from a dialysis center, and can provide a greater sense of independence.
• Peritoneal dialysis: During this type of dialysis, blood is cleaned inside your body. A cleansing fluid is circulated through a catheter placed inside your abdomen. The fluid absorbs waste products from the blood vessels in your abdominal lining and that fluid is then drawn out of the body. Peritoneal dialysis is performed daily, with many people preferring to do it at night while they sleep.

Am I a Candidate for Kidney Dialysis?

Your doctor may recommend you begin dialysis based on lab results measuring your kidney function and your symptoms. You may need to begin dialysis when you:

• Reach stage 5 of your kidney disease, with a kidney function of 15% or less
• When the buildup of waste in your blood begins to make you feel sick. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting

Kidney Dialysis at Virtua

Our nephrologists work closely with dialysis centers across South Jersey, and will connect you with a facility convenient for you.

Prior to beginning dialysis, a Virtua vascular specialist will perform a procedure to provide access to your circulatory system. Your provider will teach you how to clean this area and prevent infection.

If you choose hemodialysis at home or peritoneal dialysis, your provider will instruct you and your care partner on how to perform these procedures.

What to Expect With Kidney Dialysis

Kidney dialysis is a lifesaving treatment. Your kidney specialist will answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Before you begin dialysis, you will need minor surgery to provide direct access to your bloodstream.

Working with your kidney specialist, a Virtua vascular expert will map your circulatory system and perform a:

• Arteriovenous (AV) fistula: An artery and vein are joined together under the skin of your arm (usually not the one you write with).
• Arteriovenous graft: If your blood vessels are not adequate for a fistula, a soft, plastic tube is used to join an artery and vein under your skin.
• Catheter placement: For peritoneal dialysis, a catheter is placed into an area of your abdomen called the peritoneal cavity. A catheter also may be placed in a vein in your neck, or next to your groin, for hemodialysis

Hemodialysis

During in-center hemodialysis, you will sit or lie back in a chair. A technician will place two catheters attached to needles in your arm where the fistula or graft is located. A pump will slowly draw out your blood and send it through another machine called a dialyzer to filter out extra salt, waste, and fluid. The cleaned blood is then sent back into your body through the second catheter.

At-home hemodialysis is similar. Many people find a care partner—a spouse, family member, or professional caregiver—helpful in setting up and connecting and disconnecting from the machine. Patients and care partners receive extensive training on performing hemodialysis at home.

Peritoneal Dialysis

During peritoneal dialysis, you attach a bag of dialysate solution to the catheter in your peritoneal cavity. It remains there for four to five hours before it is drained back into the back and thrown away. While the dialysate is in your peritoneal cavity, you can go about your normal activities.

After Your Treatment

The dialysis process is generally painless. Afterwards, some people who undergo hemodialysis may experience low blood pressure, nausea, or fatigue. People who undergo peritoneal dialysis may feel bloated or full from the fluid used during the procedure. Your provider will help you overcome any side effects.