Dialysis

Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis vs. Hemodialysis
According to Jeffrey Kunz, “If the kidneys are temporarily unable to function, if they become badly damaged by long-standing inflammation, a person will probably receive a type of treatment called dialysis.” (Kunz, 512). Dialysis helps the body by performing the functions of failed kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. The essential job of the kidneys is to regulate the body’s fluid balance. It does this by adjusting the amount of urine that is excreted on a daily basis. They also have to remove the waste products that the body produces throughout the day. Dialysis can allow individuals to live productive and useful lives, even though their kidneys no longer work. Referring to Medical Reviewing Editor, “In the United States, there are over 200,00 people who use dialysis techniques on an ongoing basis.” (Shiel, 1).
Diabetes and other diseases can cause the kidneys to fail in which a doctor will recommend dialysis. There are two types of dialysis. One type is peritoneal dialysis. With peritoneal dialysis the network of tiny blood vessels in the abdomen or peritoneal cavity, is used to filter the blood. The Mayo Clinic Staff suggest that “a person is probably not a candidate for peritoneal dialysis if they have had extensive surgical scars in the abdomen or a condition that prevents effective peritoneal dialysis, have a limited ability to care for self or lack care giving support at home, or have had inflammatory bowel disease or frequent bouts of diverticulitis.” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2). Peritoneal dialysis isn’t appropriate for everyone.
Before you begin peritoneal dialysis a surgeon will place a plastic tube called a catheter into the abdomen. Most doctors will recommend waiting at least a month before beginning the first treatment to give the area time to heal. During peritoneal dialysis a sterile mixture of sugar and minerals dissolved in water...

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