What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a process for removing waste and excess water from the blood.
It may be used for those with an acute disturbance in kidney function, known as acute kidney injury, or progressive but chronically worsening kidney function, a state known as chronic kidney disease. Dialysis offered by Manchester Royal Infirmary.
This takes place at Manchester Royal Infirmary Renal Dialysis Unit (RDU) or one of the satellite units at Altrincham (20 stations) plus a home training area with 10 stations), Tameside (18 stations) Stockport (16 Stations), Macclesfield (12 stations), Octagon House (20 stations in main dialysis unit with a separate training and self-care area of 10 stations), Hexagon House (20 stations).
How long can people live on dialysis and what factors affect survival rates?
How Long Can People Live on Dialysis?
The life expectancy of a person on dialysis varies widely depending on multiple factors, including age, overall health, and treatment quality. While some younger adults who begin dialysis in their 20s may live for 20 years or many more, older individuals—particularly those over 75—often have an average survival of around 2 to 3 years.
However, advancements in treatment, improved care, and medical research continue to enhance survival rates and quality of life for dialysis patients.
Factors Influencing Survival Rates
Age: Younger patients often experience better long-term outcomes due to greater resilience and fewer age-related complications.
Overall Health: Those without additional severe conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, tend to have a higher survival rate.
Dialysis Quality and Frequency: Consistent, high-quality dialysis plays a key role in maintaining health. Both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis offer different benefits, and choosing the right option in consultation with a renal specialist can impact longevity.
Lifestyle Choices: A balanced renal-friendly diet, regular physical activity, and following medical advice can significantly improve overall well-being.
Advancements in Medical Technology: Ongoing research and innovation in dialysis treatment—such as wearable artificial kidneys and improved home dialysis options—continue to offer hope for better long-term outcomes.
Where to Find Professional Information on Dialysis in the UK
For accurate, up-to-date information on dialysis and life expectancy, the following trusted UK sources provide valuable guidance and support:
National Health Service (NHS) – Dialysis Overview: NHS Dialysis Information
Kidney Care UK – Patient Support & Dialysis Advice: Kidney Care UK
UK Kidney Association – Clinical Guidelines for Dialysis: UK Kidney Association
National Kidney Federation (NKF) – Dialysis & Life Expectancy FAQs: National Kidney Federation
By understanding these factors and working closely with a renal consultant and care team, patients and their families can tailor treatment plans to optimise both longevity and quality of life. While dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, many people lead fulfilling lives while managing their kidney condition.
Haemodialysis (HD)
For haemodialysis an artificial kidney (dialyser) is used to filter the blood. Access to the bloodstream is required so that blood can pass through this dialyser on the dialysis machine. An access, known as a ‘fistula’, is made, usually in the arm.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Dialysis?
Dialysis, a critical treatment for those with kidney failure, can bring about several side effects that patients need to be aware of. These side effects differ between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, two common types of dialysis.
Haemodialysis Side Effects
- Skin Irritation: Patients often experience itching, which can be uncomfortable and persistent.
- Muscle Cramps: This type of dialysis can sometimes lead to painful muscle cramps during or shortly after the treatment.
- Fatigue: A common complaint among patients, haemodialysis may leave you feeling unusually tired and drained.
Peritoneal Dialysis Side Effects
- Risk of Infection: Peritoneal dialysis involves a higher risk of peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal lining, which can cause severe discomfort and requires prompt medical attention.
- General Exhaustion: Similar to haemodialysis, patients may also feel a noticeable level of fatigue after undergoing this procedure.
Understanding these potential side effects can help you better prepare for and manage your dialysis treatment, ensuring that you can seek appropriate care when needed. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your symptoms or treatment plan.
Home Haemodialysis
Home Haemodialysis means that you have a kidney machine installed in your home so that you can carry out dialysis with the help of a partner, such as your spouse or parent. You dialyse three times a week using this equipment, therefore taking responsibility for your own treatment.
To be considered for Home Haemodialysis you must be fit and well whilst on dialysis, be able to needle yourself, have a caring, capable partner to help you and a spare room in your home, which can be converted for dialysis use.
Home Haemodialysis can give you more independence as it is fitted around your family life style
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
PD (also known as Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis or CAPD) can be fitted around normal daily activities, for example in the home or the workplace.
In this kind of dialysis, a special fluid (dialysate) is run into and out of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity) via a small tube. This soft, permanent tube (Tenckhoff catheter) is inserted through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity during a short operation. The peritoneal membrane (peritoneum) which lines the abdomen is used as a filter to draw out waste products and excess water from the blood. This is done manually, on average 2 to 4 times a day. Some patients may use an APD (Automated PD) machine which is pre-programmed to carry out the exchanges overnight during sleep.
Which type of dialysis is best for an individual?
Deciding on the Best Type of Dialysis for You
When it comes to determining which type of dialysis suits you best, personal lifestyle and medical needs play crucial roles. While both major forms of dialysis effectively remove waste from the blood, each comes with unique benefits and challenges that could influence your choice.
Comparing Dialysis Options
Here’s a breakdown to help you evaluate which option aligns with your life:
Hemodialysis
- Pros: Offers you four days a week without treatment, ideal if you prefer fewer disruptions to your schedule.
- Cons: Sessions are longer, and typically require visits to a clinic or hospital, which might be inconvenient for some.
Home Hemodialysis
- Pros: Provides flexibility in scheduling sessions. Tailor your treatment frequency and timing to better suit your home and lifestyle.
- Cons: More frequent sessions than a clinical setting, which may require you to manage equipment and adhere strictly to medical guidelines at home.
Peritoneal Dialysis
- Pros: Highly adaptable as it can be administered at home, and even while you’re asleep, fitting seamlessly into daily life.
- Cons: Requires daily treatment, demanding consistency and disciplined routine management.
Making Your Decision
Having a choice comes down to a detailed discussion with your professional healthcare team or renal consultant, where they’ll evaluate your medical history, daily routine, and personal preferences. Together, you can weigh the advantages and potential drawbacks of each method to select the one that best complements your lifestyle and health requirements.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that optimizes both your health and quality of life.
How Long Might a Person Need to Undergo Dialysis?
The duration of dialysis treatment varies based on individual health conditions and circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of potential scenarios:
Temporary Kidney Failure: Some individuals experience temporary kidney issues. In these cases, dialysis is used as a short-term solution until the kidneys recover and begin functioning properly again.
Awaiting a Kidney Transplant: If chronic kidney failure is diagnosed, dialysis may be necessary until a kidney transplant can be performed. This process isn’t immediate, as it depends on the availability of a matching donor kidney.
Permanent Dialysis: Not all individuals qualify for a transplant, often due to health conditions that make major surgery risky. For these patients, dialysis becomes a lifelong treatment, supporting kidney functions that are no longer viable.
In summary, the need for dialysis may be temporary or long-term, influenced by whether one’s condition can improve or if a kidney transplant becomes feasible.
Holidays on Haemodialysis
Short breaks can be taken between haemodialysis sessions.
Longer holidays in the UK and abroad are quite possible for patients and their families, so long as arrangements are made to use another Dialysis Unit at the destination. Holidays can usually be arranged once a patient has been stable on haemodialysis for six months or more.
When choosing a holiday destination, the staff at the Dialysis Centre will advise about the nearest dialysis facilities in that region and check if space is available at the times requested. The British Kidney Patients Association (BKPA) has its own holiday dialysis centres or can recommend ones which they have inspected. It may also be possible to join an arranged group holiday.
Your dialysis unit requires 6 – 8 weeks notice of your intention to take a holiday.
It is usually easier to arrange holiday dialysis abroad than it is in the UK.
Flights and accommodation should not be booked until dialysis slots are confirmed.
If you are on the transplant list, please remember to inform your transplant co-ordinator if you are leaving the country to go on holiday.
