Kidney failure, also known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), is a debilitating condition where the kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. When this occurs, dialysis becomes a life-sustaining treatment, replicating the crucial functions of healthy kidneys. Singapore, with its advanced healthcare infrastructure, offers a comprehensive network of dialysis centres, both public and private, to cater to the growing number of patients requiring this vital procedure.
The Dialysis Process: An Overview
The fundamental principle behind kidney dialysis is to remove toxins, excess salts, and water from the body, maintaining the body's delicate electrolyte balance. There are two primary types of dialysis: dialysis process hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis is the more common method, typically performed at a dedicated dialysis centre. In this procedure, a dialysis procedure machine, often referred to as an "artificial kidney" or dialyzer, plays a central role. The patient's blood is drawn from a vascular access (usually an arteriovenous fistula or graft created surgically in the arm, or a temporary catheter in the neck) and passed through the dialyzer. Inside the dialyzer, the blood flows through numerous hair-thin fibers, which are surrounded by a special cleansing fluid called dialysate. Waste products and excess fluid from the blood diffuse across semipermeable membranes in these fibers into the dialysate, which is then discarded. The filtered, clean blood is then returned to the patient's body. Hemodialysis sessions typically last 3-5 hours and are usually conducted three times a week.
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), on the other hand, utilizes the natural filtering ability of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. A soft plastic tube, called a catheter, is surgically inserted into the patient's abdomen. During PD, a sterile dialysate fluid is introduced into the peritoneal cavity through this catheter. The waste products and excess fluid from the blood vessels lining the peritoneum are drawn into the dialysate. After a prescribed "dwell time," the used fluid, now laden with toxins, is drained out and replaced with fresh dialysate. PD can be performed manually (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis or CAPD) several times a day, or automatically using a machine overnight (Automated Peritoneal Dialysis or APD), offering greater flexibility and often allowing patients to perform treatment at home.
Dialysis Centres in Singapore and Medications
Singapore boasts numerous dialysis centres, with prominent organizations like the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) operating a vast network of facilities across the island, aiming to bring treatment closer to patients' homes. Additionally, there are private dialysis centres in Singapore, such as those under Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, Fresenius Kidney Care, and DaVita?, which offer a range of services and amenities, sometimes with more flexible scheduling options. These private centres often cater to patients seeking more personalized care or a specific environment.
Before a dialysis session, specific medications may be administered. For hemodialysis, patients are often given anticoagulants, such as heparin, to prevent blood clotting as the blood circulates through the dialysis machine. It is crucial for patients to follow their doctor's instructions regarding blood pressure-lowering medications, as these might need to be withheld 4-6 hours before a hemodialysis session to prevent a significant drop in blood pressure during treatment. Other prescribed medications are generally taken as usual.
Dialysis is a life-altering but life-sustaining treatment for individuals facing kidney failure. In Singapore, the availability of both public and private dialysis centres ensures that patients have access to the care they need. Understanding the intricacies of the dialysis process, from the function of the dialysis machine to the specific procedures and pre-treatment medications, empowers patients and their families to navigate this challenging journey with greater confidence and informed decision-making. Continuous advancements in dialysis technology and care aim to improve the quality of life for those dependent on this critical medical intervention.[[iframe //www.youtube.com/embed/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsxqso3UVQ0 height="360" width="640"]]
