Nephrology · Ahmedabad
Dialysis Treatment & Management in Ahmedabad
Dialysis takes over the kidney's job of removing waste, excess fluid and salts when function falls too low to sustain health, usually below 10–15% of normal. The two main forms are haemodialysis, done at a centre using a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, done at home using the abdominal lining as a filter.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Pritish Shah, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DrNB (Nephrology) · Last reviewed
Being told you need dialysis is frightening, and much of that fear comes from not knowing what it actually involves. In practice, thousands of people in Gujarat work full-time, travel and raise families while on dialysis. Outcomes depend enormously on preparation — and preparation is something you can influence.
The two decisions that most affect how well someone does are made before the first session: choosing the right modality for that person's life, and creating vascular access early enough that dialysis never has to start through a neck catheter in an emergency.
Recognising it
When dialysis is usually considered
The decision is based on symptoms and biochemistry together, not on an eGFR number alone. Two people with identical eGFR may need dialysis at very different times.
Book an OPD consultation
Told you may need dialysis, or want a second opinion before starting? Send your reports on WhatsApp for the next OPD slot.
Before your visit
- Consultation fee ₹1,000
- Consults in English, Hindi, Gujarati
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: By prior appointmentClinic address and timings
- No referral needed. Bring your reports — which reports to bring.
Investigation
Preparing for dialysis properly
Modality counselling
An honest comparison of in-centre haemodialysis and home peritoneal dialysis against your work, travel, family support and home conditions — not a default recommendation.
Early vascular access
An arteriovenous fistula should ideally be created two to three months before dialysis is expected, since it needs time to mature. A well-functioning fistula lasts far longer and carries a much lower infection risk than a catheter.
Transplant assessment in parallel
Anyone potentially eligible should be evaluated for transplantation at the same time. Dialysis and transplant planning are not sequential steps.
Vaccination and nutrition
Hepatitis B vaccination completed in advance, and a nutritional assessment, since protein-energy wasting strongly predicts poor outcomes on dialysis.
Management
Ongoing dialysis management
Good dialysis is not just attending sessions. It is the continuous adjustment around them.
Haemodialysis
Typically three sessions a week of about four hours each at a dialysis centre, with the prescription tuned to your dry weight, dialysis adequacy and how you feel between sessions.
Peritoneal dialysis
Performed at home, either as manual exchanges through the day or overnight using a cycler. It offers more independence and better preservation of remaining kidney function, and suits many working patients well.
Achieving the right dry weight
The most common cause of cramps, crashes and post-dialysis exhaustion is an incorrectly set dry weight. It needs regular, deliberate reassessment.
Anaemia and bone mineral management
Iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for anaemia, and control of phosphate, calcium and parathyroid hormone to protect bones and blood vessels.
Access surveillance
Routine monitoring of the fistula or catheter to detect narrowing or infection before it causes a missed session or emergency admission.
Diet and fluid guidance
Realistic, culturally appropriate advice on potassium, phosphate, salt and fluid limits — built around what people in Gujarat actually eat.
Dialysis in intensive care is covered under CRRT in the ICU.
Contact your nephrologist urgently if
These need attention before your next scheduled session.
- Your fistula has stopped buzzing or feels different to touch
- There is redness, pain, swelling or discharge at the access or catheter site
- You develop fever, chills or abdominal pain on peritoneal dialysis
- Your peritoneal dialysis fluid appears cloudy
- You are breathless or have gained several kilograms since the last session
Questions
Dialysis — frequently asked
Is dialysis painful?
The dialysis itself is not painful. Inserting the needles causes brief discomfort that most people adjust to within a few weeks, and numbing cream can help. Cramps or fatigue during sessions usually indicate that fluid removal or dry weight needs adjusting rather than being an unavoidable part of treatment.
Can I work and travel while on dialysis?
Yes. Many patients work full-time. Peritoneal dialysis and evening or night haemodialysis shifts fit around employment well. Travel is possible with advance planning — dialysis sessions can be booked at centres in other cities, and peritoneal dialysis supplies can be delivered to your destination.
Once dialysis starts, can it ever be stopped?
In chronic kidney failure, dialysis is generally lifelong unless you receive a transplant. In acute kidney injury it is usually temporary and most patients recover. A successful kidney transplant is the one route that reliably ends the need for dialysis.
Which is better — haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis?
Neither is universally better. Survival is broadly comparable. Peritoneal dialysis offers independence, home treatment and gentler fluid removal; haemodialysis offers supervised care and no daily self-management. The right choice depends on your home, work, support and clinical situation.
Why do I need a fistula instead of just using a catheter?
A fistula lasts years, carries a far lower risk of bloodstream infection and delivers better dialysis. A neck catheter is convenient at the start but has significantly higher infection and clotting rates. Fistulas need two to three months to mature, which is why they should be created early.
See more dialysis questions on the FAQ page.
Please note: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. Kidney disease varies significantly between individuals. Please consult a qualified nephrologist about your own reports before making any change to your treatment.