Dialysis is a critical medical procedure that helps individuals who have kidney failure. The affected individual is hooked onto a machine that artificially performs kidney functions. As the demand for treatment has increased massively in recent years, the number of hospitals providing top-notch care has also increased.
Dialysis performs some of the duties that the kidney usually does to keep the body in balance, such as removing waste and extra fluids in the body to prevent it from building up in the body, maintaining the levels of minerals in the body at a safe level, such as potassium, sodium, calcium and bicarbonate as well as helping to regulate the blood pressure.
The hemodialysis apparatus includes:
Dialyser;
Dialysis solution (dialysate);
Tubing for the transport of blood and dialysis solution; and
Hemodialysis machine to power
A dialyser is the part of the hemodialysis machine where your blood gets filtered.
The core of the dialyser is made up of thousands of tiny mesh tubes. The blood flows inside each tube, and the dialysate stays outside the tubes. Tiny pores in the tubes let waste and excess fluids pass from the blood into the dialysate. The cleaned blood then leaves the dialyser and is returned to your body.
The effectiveness of treatment can be increased by completing it according to the prescribed schedule, following one’s customised meal plan and getting as much physical activity as possible to increase heart health. Talk with the dialysis provider about any supplements, medications or herbal products that one is taking and discuss with them any concerns that one might be having about the treatment.
Some of the benefits of dialysis include better quality of life, increased well-being, reduced symptoms, less cramping, headaches and nausea, improved sleeping patterns, and higher energy levels to perform daily tasks.
The common causes of kidney failure include:
Diabetes,
High blood pressure (hypertension),
Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis),
Kidney cysts (polycystic kidney disease),
Inherited kidney diseases,
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other medications that could harm the kidneys.
Dialysis is a very effective treatment option for clearing water products in the body and also removing extra fluids. Even though all types of dialysis treatments are effective, individual preferences and suitability ultimately determine the treatment approach to be followed. It is important to discuss with one’s doctor to decide on the type of dialysis and treatment modalities to be followed. It is also helpful to learn from the experiences of others undergoing dialysis.
People with kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may need dialysis. Injuries and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and lupus can damage kidneys, leading to kidney disease.
When one has ESRD, one’s kidneys function at 10 to 15% of their normal function. Such people need to undergo a kidney transplant, while some adjust to dialysis till they can have a transplant.
There are mainly two ways to get dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. With hemodialysis, a machine removes blood from the body, filters it through a dialyser and returns the cleaned blood to one’s body. This 3 to 5-hour process may occur either in a hospital or a specialised dialysis centre three times a week. With peritoneal dialysis, tiny blood vessels inside the abdominal lining (peritoneum) filter blood through the aid of a dialysis solution. This solution is a cleansing liquid containing water, salt and other additives.
The preparation for dialysis has the steps such as checking the weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. The skin covering the access site (the area where fluid enters and leaves the body) is cleansed. During the procedure, two needles are inserted into the arm through the access site and taped in place to remain secure. During the procedure, one might feel nauseous and have abdominal cramps as excess fluids are pulled from the body.
Since fluids are being removed and added to the body, there might be variations in blood pressure and heart rate which are constantly monitored during each treatment. After the procedure, the needles are removed from the access site, and a dressing is applied to the area to prevent bleeding. One’s weight is rechecked, allowing one to continue with their usual activities.
Apart from this, there are also side effects associated with dialysis treatment, such as low blood pressure, itchy skin, blood clots, and infection. During dialysis, a catheter can cause an infection known as peritonitis. An infection of the peritoneum happens if bacteria enter the peritoneum during catheter insertion or usage. Other side effects include hernia, high blood sugar, high potassium and weight gain.
The top 10 dialysis hospitals in India that host the best care, well-qualified professionals and state-of-the-art technologies are listed below:
1. Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Delhi
2. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
3. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi
4. Gleneagles Global Hospital, Perumbakkam, Chennai
5. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
6. Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai
7. Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad
8. Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad
9. AMRI Hospital, Saltlake City, Kolkata
10. All India Institute Medical Sciences, Delhi
In this blog post, we delve into the realm of dialysis, shedding light on the India’s top hospitals that are revolutionising how dialysis is performed. From state-of-the-art facilities to experts and personalised care, these institutions have garnered recognition for their excellence.
1. Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Delhi
Fortis Hospital, located in the heart of the country, is well-known for its nephrology department. The services are handled by a team of nephrologists, nurses, dialysis technicians, and registered dieticians. Both children and adults can avail of a host of services such as peritoneal, nocturnal and short daily dialysis. The hospital is also well known for its 24-hour emergency care, a boon for anyone experiencing any adverse symptoms from the procedure.
2. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
Apollo Hospital, renowned for its world-class facilities, is sure not to disappoint. With their modern infrastructure and highly skilled medical staff, one is bound to get a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment for kidney-related ailments. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals provides conventional hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), Hemofiltration, and Plasma exchanges/ Plasma Pheresis. To ensure patient safety, the department has the latest computerised bicarbonate hemodialysis machines with volumetric ultrafiltration and adjustable sodium facility.
3. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi
Max Super Speciality Hospital is known for its high-quality medical facilities and expert care. The hospital believes in a patient-centric approach to care and thus designs a holistic approach for treating any ailment. They host varied medical technologies for kidney failures. Their doctors are trained to handle any medical emergency related to kidneys.
4. Gleneagles Global Hospital, Perumbakkam, Chennai
A world-class medical centre, Gleneagles Global Hospital is one name to reckon with. Equipped with the latest dialysis machines and expert operators, one need not worry about any of the consequences of kidney failure. They provide aftercare, which involves counselling the patient and prescribing the proper diet by a registered dietician. They have the best facilities for outpatient and inpatient care around the clock.
5. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, is touted to be one of the largest dialysis centres in Mumbai. They have 42 dialysis machines with online clearance monitoring in all of them. They have 24-hour nephrology coverage in case of emergencies. It is very often the case that the patient might need emergency care. With the increase of dialysis patients, it is required that the hospital has enough dialysis machines to carry the patient load properly.
6. Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai
One key factor that sets Lilavati Hospital apart is its team of experienced nephrologists and dialysis technicians. These experts possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in managing various kidney-related conditions and performing dialysis procedures effectively. They work closely with patients, creating personalised treatment plans that address individual needs and ensure the best possible outcomes. Lilavati Hospital utilises advanced dialysis technology, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, to cater to a wide range of patient requirements.
7. Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad
Yashoda Hospitals have advanced dialysis technologies that cater to those with even end-stage renal diseases. The facility of online haemodiafiltration is one of its kind in Hyderabad, which provides efficient and safe dialysis for septic patients. As the dialysis machine directly interacts with the patient’s bodily fluids, it can lead to infections immediately if not handled with utmost care. Thus, the technician handling the procedure must be aware of the proper sanitation methods to avoid any infection to the patient.
8. Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad
The Continental Hospitals has a dedicated nephrology ward. They have state-of-the-art medical laboratories and a specialised team for kidney disease patients. They have advanced techniques for early detection and diagnosis of all kidney-related diseases—the earlier the diagnosis, the faster one can avail of the appropriate treatment options. A team of medical professionals consisting of specialist doctors, nurses, dialysis technicians, counsellors and registered dieticians ensures that the patient gets the best care possible throughout the procedure.
9. AMRI Hospital, Saltlake City, Kolkata
Led by a team of highly qualified medical professionals, the nephrology department at AMRI Hospital in Kolkata is equipped to deal with kidney-related dysfunctions. They even have paediatric wards to help children diagnosed with kidney failures. AMRI Hospital-Salt Lake, one of the first multi-speciality healthcare service providers at the satellite township of Kolkata in the eastern parts of the metropolis, stands tall with a lineage of great service and value-for-money treatment. The hospital is among the best in Kolkata, catering to residents of areas not just in and around Salt Lake but also from far-flung places.
10. All India Institute Medical Sciences, Delhi
One of the premiere institutes in the country, AIIMS, located in New Delhi, is the place to be for dialysis treatments. The hospital is well equipped with advanced medical machines providing a range of super specialities from cardiology to neonatology. All the procedures are priced moderately to be affordable to the commoner while not compromising the facilities available. The doctors in the nephrology department have years of experience dealing with a wide variety of kidney-related cases.
Some precautions that can be taken to prevent renal diseases are upping the intake of fluids, maintaining blood pressure and having a healthy diet. Drinking adequate fluids helps the kidneys to eliminate excess sodium, toxins, and urea from the body. Around four to five litres of fluids daily will reduce the risk of impaired kidney function. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart failure or stroke.
Lifestyle changes make much difference in keeping your blood pressure levels within normal range. Limiting excess salt diet also reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure. Eating a balanced diet provides various nutrients that keep you healthy. A diet including fruits, vegetables, low-fat products, low salt and added sugars prevents many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, ultimately affecting the kidneys.
Dialysis is a procedure supposed to be performed very carefully as it involves engaging with one’s body very intimately. If not performed properly, it can lead to serious conditions like infections and acute kidney failure.
One must consult the best professionals with the proper knowledge, be aware of the latest research and be able to design patient-centric approaches. In addition, the hospital must be equipped to provide pre-and post-treatment counselling and the proper diet to be followed.
Before shortlisting the right hospital for one’s dialysis treatment, one must go through the facilities available at each hospital. One can make a checklist and choose the hospital best suited to all their particular needs. This list provides a starting point for further research that one may engage in to choose the right fit for their needs. The above list is just a guide for all facilities one must look for in a prospective hospital to conduct dialysis.
If facing financial issues in pursuing treatment, one might use crowdfunding platforms like Ketto. They work toward providing accessibility to the most needy for various medical treatments and a myriad of social causes. One may approach the platform with an open mind to meet their needs promptly.
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