Haemodialysis is a medical procedure used to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately. During haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of the body through a dialysis machine, filtered to remove toxins and excess fluids, and then returned to the body.

When and why do people go for Haemodialysis?

People undergo haemodialysis when their kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood due to kidney failure or other kidney-related conditions. Haemodialysis is typically recommended for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition in which the kidneys have lost most or all of their function. Without haemodialysis, waste products and fluids can accumulate in the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and eventually, life-threatening complications.

What makes Haemodialysis different from other treatment options?

Haemodialysis is one of several treatment options available for individuals with kidney failure, including peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. What sets haemodialysis apart is its ability to quickly and efficiently remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood using a specialized dialysis machine. Unlike peritoneal dialysis, which involves the use of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen) as a natural filter, haemodialysis requires access to the bloodstream through a vascular access site, typically a surgically created fistula, graft, or catheter. Haemodialysis can be performed in a dialysis center or at home under the guidance of medical professionals.

How does life change after Haemodialysis?

Life after haemodialysis can bring about significant adjustments for individuals with kidney failure. While haemodialysis helps manage symptoms and maintain overall health, it requires regular sessions typically three times per week, lasting several hours each time. This treatment schedule can impact daily activities and require adjustments to work, travel, and social commitments. Additionally, dietary restrictions and medication management are often necessary to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Despite these challenges, many individuals find that haemodialysis allows them to maintain a good quality of life and continue engaging in meaningful activities. For those awaiting a kidney transplant, haemodialysis can serve as a bridge therapy until a suitable donor organ becomes available. Overall, haemodialysis can provide a lifeline for individuals with kidney failure, allowing them to live longer and more fulfilling lives with proper management and support.

Peritoneal Dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy used to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function effectively. Unlike haemodialysis, which uses a machine to filter the blood outside the body, peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter.

When and why do people go for Peritoneal Dialysis?

People undergo peritoneal dialysis when they have kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and need ongoing treatment to maintain their health and quality of life. Peritoneal dialysis is often chosen for its flexibility and convenience, allowing individuals to perform dialysis at home or in other comfortable environments. It may be recommended for individuals who prefer a more independent treatment option, have difficulty accessing a dialysis center, or have lifestyle considerations that make in-center haemodialysis challenging.

What makes Peritoneal Dialysis different from other treatment options

Peritoneal dialysis differs from other treatment options for kidney failure, such as haemodialysis and kidney transplantation, in several ways. Unlike haemodialysis, which requires vascular access and the use of a dialysis machine, peritoneal dialysis uses the body's own peritoneum as a natural filter, eliminating the need for vascular access and external equipment. Peritoneal dialysis offers greater flexibility and autonomy, allowing individuals to perform dialysis at home on their own schedule. Additionally, peritoneal dialysis may be preferred for individuals with certain medical conditions or lifestyle preferences.

How does life change after Peritoneal Dialysis?

Life after starting peritoneal dialysis can bring about significant adjustments for individuals with kidney failure. While peritoneal dialysis offers greater flexibility and independence compared to in-center haemodialysis, it requires daily treatments and ongoing management of dialysis supplies, medications, and dietary restrictions. Individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis must learn proper techniques for performing exchanges, maintaining sterile conditions, and monitoring their health for signs of infection or complications. Despite these challenges, many individuals find that peritoneal dialysis allows them to maintain a good quality of life, continue working, and engage in meaningful activities. With proper support and education, individuals on peritoneal dialysis can lead fulfilling lives while managing their kidney disease.

A kidney biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of kidney tissue is removed for examination under a microscope. It is typically performed to diagnose and evaluate kidney diseases and conditions, such as glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, kidney infections, and kidney tumours.

When and why do people go for Kidney Biopsy?

People undergo kidney biopsy when there is a need to diagnose or evaluate kidney diseases or conditions that cannot be adequately assessed through other diagnostic tests, such as blood and urine tests, imaging studies, or clinical evaluation. Kidney biopsy may be recommended for individuals with unexplained kidney dysfunction, proteinuria (protein in the urine), haematuria (blood in the urine), or other signs of kidney disease. The results of the biopsy help guide treatment decisions and determine the prognosis for the individual's kidney health.

What makes Kidney Biopsy different from other treatment options?

Kidney biopsy is a diagnostic procedure rather than a treatment option. Unlike treatments such as medication, dialysis, or kidney transplantation, which aim to manage or improve kidney function, kidney biopsy provides essential information about the underlying cause and severity of kidney disease. This information is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual's specific condition and needs. Kidney biopsy allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about treatment options and prognosis, ultimately improving the likelihood of successful outcomes for individuals with kidney disease.

How does life change after a Kidney Biopsy?

Life after kidney biopsy varies depending on the individual's diagnosis and treatment plan. Following the procedure, individuals may experience some mild discomfort or pain at the biopsy site, which typically resolves within a few days. After the biopsy, it may take several days to receive the results, during which time individuals may undergo further evaluation or begin treatment as recommended by their healthcare provider. Depending on the findings of the biopsy, treatment options may include medications, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, or other interventions aimed at managing or improving kidney function. While kidney biopsy itself does not directly change a person's life, the information obtained from the biopsy results can lead to changes in treatment and management that may ultimately improve kidney health and overall quality of life.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is a medical procedure used to manage acute kidney injury (AKI) or severe kidney dysfunction by continuously filtering and removing waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood. CRRT is performed using specialized equipment that mimics the function of the kidneys, providing continuous and gentle removal of waste products and fluids over an extended period.

When and why do people go for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)?

People undergo Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy when they have acute kidney injury or severe kidney dysfunction that requires immediate and ongoing treatment to support kidney function and prevent complications. CRRT may be recommended for individuals with conditions such as acute kidney failure, sepsis, multiple organ failure, or severe electrolyte imbalances. The goal of CRRT is to stabilize and improve kidney function, restore fluid and electrolyte balance, and remove toxins and waste products from the blood to prevent further damage to the kidneys and other organs.

What makes Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) different from other treatment options?

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy differs from other treatment options for acute kidney injury or severe kidney dysfunction, such as intermittent haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, in several ways. Unlike intermittent dialysis methods, which require periodic sessions lasting several hours each, CRRT provides continuous and gentle removal of waste products and fluids over an extended period, typically 24 hours a day. This continuous therapy approach allows for a more gradual and controlled removal of toxins and fluids, reducing the risk of hemodynamic instability and complications associated with rapid changes in fluid and electrolyte balance. CRRT is often preferred for critically ill patients who require hemodynamic stability and close monitoring of fluid status.

How does life change after Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)?

Life after Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy can vary depending on the individual's overall health, the underlying cause of kidney dysfunction, and the duration of treatment. Following CRRT, many individuals experience improvements in kidney function, electrolyte balance, and overall health, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and uremia. While CRRT provides essential support for individuals with acute kidney injury or severe kidney dysfunction, it is often part of a larger treatment plan that may include medications, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes to manage underlying conditions and optimize kidney function. Depending on the individual's response to treatment, CRRT may be continued for a short period until kidney function improves or may be transitioned to other forms of renal replacement therapy as needed. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor kidney function, adjust treatment as needed, and ensure optimal outcomes for individuals undergoing CRRT.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves the implantation of electrodes into specific areas of the brain, which are connected to a pulse generator device implanted under the skin near the collarbone. The device delivers electrical impulses to the brain, modulating abnormal brain activity and alleviating symptoms associated with neurological disorders.

When and why do people go for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery?

People undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery when they have been diagnosed with neurological conditions that are not adequately controlled with medications or other treatment options. DBS may be recommended when symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, or involuntary movements significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. It is often considered for individuals who experience fluctuations in medication effectiveness, medication side effects, or medication-resistant symptoms. DBS surgery aims to improve motor symptoms, reduce medication requirements, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients with neurological disorders.

What makes Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery different from other treatment options?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery differs from other treatment options for neurological disorders, such as medications or traditional surgery, in that it offers targeted and adjustable stimulation of specific areas of the brain involved in motor control and regulation of mood and behavior. Unlike medications, which may have limited efficacy or intolerable side effects, DBS provides continuous and precise electrical stimulation to the brain, offering consistent symptom control without the need for frequent dosage adjustments. Additionally, DBS is reversible and adjustable, allowing healthcare providers to fine-tune stimulation parameters to optimize symptom relief while minimizing side effects.

How does life change after Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery?

Life after Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery can vary depending on factors such as the type and severity of the neurological condition, the individual's overall health, and their response to treatment. Many people experience significant improvements in motor symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, following DBS surgery, which can lead to greater independence, mobility, and participation in daily activities. Some individuals may also experience improvements in mood, cognition, and quality of life as a result of DBS therapy. However, it is important to note that DBS may not completely eliminate all symptoms, and some individuals may require ongoing medication management or additional therapies to address non-motor symptoms or fluctuations in symptom severity. Regular follow-up appointments with a multidisciplinary healthcare team are essential for optimizing DBS therapy, monitoring potential complications, and addressing any ongoing care needs or concerns. Overall, DBS surgery can offer significant benefits and improvements in quality of life for many patients with neurological disorders, providing a valuable treatment option for those who have not responded adequately to other therapies.