Dialysis Treatment in Nepal

When kidney function drops below 10-15%, dialysis or kidney transplantation becomes necessary to sustain life. Under the guidance of Dr. Sumit Acharya, this section covers key medical options, preparation guidelines, and vascular access requirements.

Quick Answer: What are the main dialysis modalities?

The two primary dialysis modalities are Hemodialysis (filtering blood through an external artificial kidney machine, usually 2-3 sessions a week at a hospital) and Peritoneal Dialysis (instilling sterile cleansing fluid into the abdomen via a catheter, done daily at home). Both methods require specialized access preparation.

1. Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common form of treatment in Nepal:

  • Sessions last 4 hours and are conducted 2 or 3 times a week depending on residual kidney function.
  • It requires vascular access to draw and return blood.
  • Patients need strict fluid and potassium intake limitations between treatments.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) is an alternative performed by patients themselves:

  • Uses the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) as the dialysis membrane.
  • A catheter is placed in the abdomen to fill and drain dialysate solution several times a day.
  • Offers more freedom, fewer food restrictions, and no need to travel to clinics.
  • Requires clean home environments to prevent peritonitis (abdominal infection).

3. Dialysis Access Types

Having a reliable, clean access pathway is critical for patients:

  • AV Fistula: The gold standard. A direct surgical connection of a vein and artery. Requires 4-8 weeks to mature before use.
  • AV Graft: A synthetic tube connecting an artery and a vein. Used if blood vessels are too small for a fistula.
  • Jugular / Femoral Catheters (Double Lumen): Temporary plastic tubes placed in large neck or leg veins. Used for acute kidney injury or emergency starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis?

Hemodialysis filters blood outside the body using a dialyzer machine, typically performed 2-3 times per week at a clinic. Peritoneal Dialysis uses the abdominal lining (peritoneum) as a filter inside the body and can be performed daily at home.

What is an AV Fistula and why is it preferred for hemodialysis?

An Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, usually in the forearm. It is preferred because it provides a durable, high-flow vascular access with lower infection and clotting rates than temporary catheters.

Is dialysis a permanent cure for kidney failure?

No, dialysis is a life-sustaining therapy that replaces only a portion of the kidney's filtering work. A kidney transplant is the only definitive long-term cure for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Need guidance on choosing between Hemodialysis and CAPD?

Discuss dialysis modalities and vascular access planning with Dr. Sumit Acharya to select the safest option for your condition.

Schedule Consultation