Dialysis Access Procedure/Treatment in Bangalore

People with kidney disease or renal failure require dialysis on a regular basis until they can receive a kidney transplant. Dialysis, or hemodialysis, removes excess waste, salt, and fluid from the blood of individuals whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. The dialysis machine performs the function of the kidneys by filtering the blood and removing waste products and excess fluid.

There are two main types of Dialysis:

1. Hemodialysis: In this procedure, the blood is filtered outside the body
2. Peritoneal dialysis: In this type of dialysis, the lining of the abdomen acts as a filter.

Dialysis Access Procedure at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka

Hemodialysis access, also known as dialysis access, refers to the procedure of creating an entryway for blood to flow out of and back into the body during dialysis treatment. This access is necessary for patients who require regular dialysis to remove waste and excess fluid from their bloodstream. The purpose of the access is to establish a permanent or temporary access point for the dialysis machine to safely remove and return blood.

At Apollo Hospitals Karnataka, we perform different types of access procedures for dialysis patients. These include:

1. Central venous catheter (CVC)
2. Arteriovenous fistula (AV Fistula)
3. Arteriovenous graft (AV Graft)
4. Peritoneal dialysis catheter (PD Catheter)

The type of procedure recommended depends on the patient’s health, age, and overall condition.

Before procedure

Preparing yourself mentally and physically before undergoing any medical procedure is important. Before scheduling the dialysis access procedure, doctors will perform physical exams and tests to assess your overall health. It is advisable to schedule an appointment with your doctor to address any questions or concerns regarding the procedure. Before undergoing a hemodialysis access procedure, it is essential to keep the following points in mind:

• Inform your doctor about any medical conditions, medications, and allergies.
• Adhere to instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare team, such as fasting before the procedure.
• Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing for your appointment.
• If you receive anaesthesia or sedatives, arrange for someone to accompany you to and from the procedure.
• Prepare to provide a urine sample for analysis before the procedure.
• Bring a list of questions or concerns regarding the procedure or the recovery process.
• Consider following the specific guidelines provided by your healthcare provider regarding the care of the access site after the procedure.

During procedure

Hemodialysis access is a surgical procedure expertly performed by nephrologists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka. The expectations during the procedure mainly depend on the type of access being obtained. In general, here is what you can anticipate during a hemodialysis access surgery:

• First, the area where the access will be inserted will be cleaned, and a local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the region.
• Next, the surgeon will create the access site, which can be an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, an AV graft, or a catheter.
• In the case of an AV fistula, the surgeon will typically connect an artery and a vein in the forearm. This connection causes the vein to grow larger and stronger, facilitating easier placement of dialysis needles during treatment.
• For an AV graft, a synthetic tube is used to connect an artery and a vein, usually in the upper arm. Over time, the graft also becomes stronger.
• In the case of a catheter, a soft tube is placed in a large vein, typically in the neck. Instead of using needles, the catheter can be directly attached to the dialysis tubes. While these are commonly used as temporary access, they can also be permanent.
• The surgical procedure usually takes a few hours, and most patients are able to return home on the same day.
• After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or bruising at the access site, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few days.

After procedure

After a hemodialysis procedure, patients can expect the following at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka:

• Our trained and compassionate nursing staff will accompany the patient to the recovery area for monitoring until they regain consciousness and stabilize.
• The patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, will be closely monitored by our medical staff.
• The patient’s access site will be regularly inspected for any signs of bleeding or other complications.
• The patient may receive instructions to refrain from heavy lifting or engage in strenuous activities for several days following the procedure.
• Pain medication may be prescribed as necessary.
• Our doctors will spend time with the patient, providing detailed instructions on caring for the access site, including keeping it dry and clean and avoiding any activities that may lead to infection.
• A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess the functionality of the access site and ensure it is functioning correctly.

Complications & Risks

Like any medical procedure dialysis access may carry certain risks, including

1. Aneurysm
2. Arterial insufficiency
3. Carpal tunnel syndrome
4. Distal ischemia
5. Excessive bleeding
6. Fever
7. Heart failure (rare)
8. Increased venous pressure
9. Infection
10. Over sedation
11. Thrombosis

Who is not eligible?

Our doctors will carefully evaluate every patient to ensure they are eligible candidates for dialysis access procedures. Some of these factors that may make someone ineligible include:

1. Active infection
2. Uncontrolled bleeding
3. Severe heart or lung disease
4. Ongoing medical conditions like cancer
5. Limited life expectancy

Apollo Hospitals Karnataka offers cutting-edge dialysis access procedures performed by highly skilled and experienced healthcare professionals. Patients receive individualized care and attention throughout the entire process, guaranteeing their comfort and well-being. With a strong emphasis on patient satisfaction and clinical excellence, Apollo Hospitals Karnataka is a trusted destination for dialysis access procedures.