kidney failure (treatment)

Question 1

what is renal dialysis?

Answer 1

a treatment that helps the kidneys continue to function when they have stopped working properly. A dialysis machine is used as an ‘artificial kidney’ to filter the blood

Question 2

what is the difference between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Answer 2

hemodialysis happens outside the body, peritoneal happens inside the body

Question 3

where is haemodialysis typically performed?

Answer 3

at a hospital or clinic

Question 4

where the blood cleaned in haemodialysis?

Answer 4

an ‘artifical kidney’ external of the body

Question 5

where is the blood cleaned in peritoneal dialysis?

Answer 5

cleaned through a lining in abdomen called the peritoneun, dialysate solution is poured into it for a few hours + washed in and out of belly in cycles

Question 6

what are the pros and cons of a kidney transplant?

Answer 6

pros: best treatment option, despite risk of surgery + impaired immune system, it generally gives a better outcome

cons: need to take immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection - susceptible to opportunistic disease

Question 7

what are the pros and cons of haemodialysis?

Answer 7

pros: removes metabolic wastes, long-term solution, provides time for patients awaiting transplants, accessible

cons: takes 3-4 hours a week, requires regular travel to hospital and strict diet (e.g. no consumption of salty foods), does not cure disease only mitigates, potential blood clots + infection from tubes