Question

Explain the temporary and permanent methods to be adopted for kidney failure (ESRD) persons.

Answer 1

On either side of the spine, the kidneys are situated. Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs behind the ribs and behind the abdomen. It is the function of the kidneys to purify the blood. They eliminate wastes, control the body's fluid balance and maintain the right amount of electrolytes. A physical injury or a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or other disorders may affect the kidneys.

Complete answer: Generally, as one has more functional renal tissue than it is required to survive, humans can live normally with only one kidney. Renal replacement therapy, in the form of dialysis or kidney transplantation, is advised when extremely low glomerular filtration rates have decreased or if serious symptoms are caused. Dialysis is a process of eliminating the function of normal kidneys. The temporary technique to be implemented for kidney failure is dialysis. When approximately, 85 to 90 percent of kidney function is impaired, dialysis may be implemented, as indicated by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 15. Dialysis extracts the products of metabolic waste as well as excess water and sodium and retains many levels of chemicals within the body. Kidney transplantation is the permanent process to treat the person with kidney failure. The kidney is transplanted from the donor to the recipient in this process.

Note: For those on dialysis, life expectancy is 5 to 10 years; some live up to 30 years. Dialysis can occur through the blood, called peritoneal dialysis, via a catheter or arteriovenous fistula, or through the peritoneum. Dialysis is usually performed at free-standing dialysis centres three days a week for several hours, allowing recipients to lead an otherwise essentially normal life.