If your kidneys are failing, Dialysis is a treatment that can purify your blood using a machine, replacing the crucial functions your kidneys once performed. But how does this all work in Singapore? Let’s dive into the essentials of the Dialysis Procedure Singapore, offering you a specialist’s guide to understanding this life-sustaining treatment.
Understanding Dialysis
Dialysis is essential for people with failing or damaged kidneys, as it regulates water levels in the body and removes waste and toxins from the blood. In Singapore, the first hemodialysis was performed in for acute kidney failure. By 1968, a chronic program was establishedSince then, dialysis treatment has advanced significantly, becoming a vital treatment option for those with chronic kidney disease.
Dialysis requires a vascular access, which is a conduit that allows blood to be efficiently withdrawn, cleansed, and returned to the body. Choosing a healthy vessel for this access and monitoring it regularly is crucial for preventing failures and the need for repeated procedures.
Types of Dialysis
There are two primary methods of dialysis available in Singapore:
- Hemodialysis: This method cleanses the blood of toxins, extra salt, and fluids using a dialysis machine. It helps maintain a proper chemical balance and keeps blood pressure under control. Hemodialysis is typically performed three times a week, with each session lasting about hours, though this can vary based on body size and medical condition. In Singapore, hemodialysis is commonly administered at dialysis centers.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: This dialysis method involves inserting a catheter into the abdomen to introduce a special fluid that absorbs waste and excess fluids from the blood. Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home and requires daily treatment, either through continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or automated peritoneal dialysis.
It’s best to discuss your options with your doctor before deciding which option is most suitable for your lifestyle.
Types of Dialysis Access Singapore
For hemodialysis, creating a vascular access is a vital first step. Here are the primary types of dialysis access Singapore:
- Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF): AVFs are the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis patients. These fistulas are created by connecting an artery and a vein, typically in the arm.
- Arteriovenous Graft (AVG): AVGs involve using a synthetic tube to connect an artery and a vein. While AVGs have been in use since 1989, their survival can be limited by infective complications
- Central Venous Catheter: This type of access can be used immediately after placement, unlike AVFs and AVGs, which require some time before they can be used for hemodialysis.
The Haemodialysis Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during a Dialysis Procedure Singapore:
- Before starting, two needles will be inserted into the vascular access. One needle removes blood, while the other returns the cleansed blood to the body.
- The patient is connected to the dialysis machine via tubing through a vein in the arm. Blood is then pumped from the body to a special filter called a dialyzer.
- Blood is continuously pumped through the dialyzer, where waste products and excess water are removed. The purified blood is then returned to the patient’s body through larger tubes.
Where to receive dialysis
Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can be administered in hospitals, dialysis centers, or even at home. As of 2018, most patients in Singapore receive hemodialysis at freestanding ambulatory satellite dialysis centers managed by VWOs (62.8%), followed by private dialysis centers (35.6%), and public hospitals or affiliated centers (1.6%).
How Long Does Dialysis Access Surgery Take?
Dialysis access surgery typically takes between and hours, though the duration can vary. The complexity of the case and the patient’s risk factors are also taken into account by vascular surgeons. Patients can usually return home on the same day after this minor surgical procedure.
Engaging an experienced vascular surgeon for the creation of dialysis access and conducting regular surveillance can significantly reduce the inconvenience and discomfort associated with haemodialysis, ensuring efficient treatment.