Benefits of Early Dialysis
Dialysis refers to treatment for failing kidneys when the organs cannot filter blood the usual way. Ellipsys is an evidence-based practice (EBP) that was discovered as an innovation in hemodialysis many years ago, helping to create fistulas that connect arteries and veins for dialysis (Asensio and Meredith, 2023). There are benefits to starting dialysis early, and drawbacks if it is not commenced on time.
Firstly, a timely start improves the patient’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR), allowing for the more efficient filtration of metabolic wastes into the renal tubules (Isaak et al., 2021). Secondly, a patient is less likely to experience malnutrition due to supportive care from healthcare professionals who provide appropriate medication prescriptions. Additionally, an individual will likely experience fewer cases of exacerbations since the dialysis process involves various operations on the blood vessels, such as creating a fistula to compensate for the failed kidney (Sprangers et al., 2021). This results in fewer hospitalizations and a more favorable outcome for patients.
Implications of Late Dialysis
There are repercussions of a late start for dialysis, including decreased survival rates when mortality levels go high. The reason is that a person experiences a burden of comorbidities that limit their health and well-being due to the deterioration of their GFR. In particular cases, patients who choose not to start dialysis may require end-of-life care and hospice services, which lower the quality of life and are costly in terms of time and resources (Kallenbach, 2021). If a patient receives post-hemodialysis treatment, they may experience low blood pressure due to a drop in fluid levels, which can cause frequent nausea and dizziness.
Summary
Patients who tolerate early dialysis experience improved quality of life since their metabolic process is altered to combat kidney failure. In most cases, they report comfortable day-to-day dialysis treatment since they have nurses, eat and drink correctly, and establish a new normal that helps them accept the situation and avoid the risk of mental issues (Span, 2019). Patients who start dialysis late have a challenging experience with treatment due to increased levels of minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. That makes them have heart problems such as arrhythmia and heart attacks that may cause their quality of life to be poor (Kallenbach, 2021). Lastly, these patients are said to have a risk of psychological disorders because of the uncertainty of the treatment at the late stages, more so for older people and those with chronic health issues.
Reference List
Asensio, J.A. and Meredith, W.J. (2023) Current therapy of trauma and Surgical Critical Care. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Isaak, A. et al. (2021) ‘First experience with percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation using the Ellipsys® Vascular Access System’, British Journal of Surgery, 8(4), pp. 35–67.
Kallenbach, J.Z. (2021) Review of Hemodialysis for nurses and dialysis personnel. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Span, P. (2019) Dialysis is a way of life for many older patients. Maybe it shouldn’t be.
Sprangers, B. et al. (2021) ‘Initiation and termination of dialysis in older patients with advanced cancer: Providing guidance in a complicated situation’, The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 2(1), pp. 51–56.