Kidneys that fail can no longer perform the crucial function of removing wastes and excess fluid from the body. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the treatments for kidney or renal failure include those that remove wastes and excess fluid from the body, such as dialysis or kidney transplantation. Other treatments for renal failure include diet restrictions and medications.
Dialysis
Patients with renal failure need dialysis to remove wastes and excess fluids from the body. There are different types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Together with a doctor, a patient can decide which type of dialysis is best for them. The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s medical condition, lifestyle and personal preference
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter the patient’s blood of wastes and excess fluid, according to the National Kidney Foundation. It takes about three to five hours and takes place usually at a hospital or a dialysis clinic. Patients normally need hemodialysis about three times a week. Hemodialysis can also be done at home with a care partner, but it is not that common.
In the March 2008 issue of “American Association of Kidney Patients RENALIFE,” Dr. Christopher Blagg states, “as of December 2005, only 0.62 percent of U.S. dialysis patients were on home hemodialysis." Home hemodialysis involves more treatments for shorter time periods and, according to Blagg, produces better outcomes for patients.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is another treatment option for renal failure, according to the NKF. The patient’s own peritoneal membrane, or lining of the abdomen, filters the patient’s blood of waste and excess fluid. To remove wastes and excess fluid, a cleansing solution is passed into the patient’s abdomen through a tube. This requires minor surgery for the first peritoneal dialysis treatment. The peritoneal dialysis process can take several hours and depends on the individual patient.
Kidney Transplant
According to the NKF, patients that are eligible for a kidney transplant are referred to a transplant center for tests. A health-care team evaluates the patient and will decide to go ahead with a transplant or not. When renal failure patients have a family member or friend who is willing to donate a kidney, the patient can be considered for transplant immediately. Other patients have to wait for a kidney to be donated and will need dialysis until that happens. Those patients are put on a transplant wait list until a kidney from a suitably matched deceased donor becomes available.
Diet and Medications
According to the NKF, dietary restrictions might be necessary for patients with renal failure. Renal diets are tailored toward the individual needs. The dialysis or transplant center will assign a dietitian to a patient to help him choose a diet that has the right amount of calories, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fluids. Medications for blood pressure, phosphorus control, anemia and vitamin D are the most commonly used medications to treat patients with renal disease.
