About Dialysis

Choosing Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis

The choice between hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is influenced by various factors such as availability, convenience, underlying medical conditions, home situation, and age. This decision is best made by discussing the risks and benefits of each type of dialysis with your dialysis specialist in Delhi and his support staff.

When to Start Dialysis?

Nephrologists in Delhi recommend that dialysis begin before kidney disease progresses to the point of life-threatening complications affecting the brain, heart, and lungs. If dialysis is started too late, the quality of life may not significantly improve even after regular treatments.

Emergency Dialysis

Emergency dialysis is typically given under the following conditions:

  • Blood tests reveal very high BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) or serum creatinine levels
  • Severe shortness of breath due to fluid overload
  • Severe metabolic acidosis
  • Life-threatening hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood)
  • Bleeding diathesis caused by uremia
  • Pericarditis (fluid collection around the heart)
  • Altered mental state or motor weakness due to nerve involvement

It is advisable to opt for early elective dialysis and avoid waiting for an emergency. Emergency dialysis carries higher risks of mortality and morbidity.