What is the difference between peritoneal dialysis in Israel?

Specialists at Top Ihilov clinic have extensive experience in performing various types of peritoneal dialysis and closely monitor the condition of patients undergoing this procedure, ensuring virtually no complications. For automated dialysis, our center uses equipment from leading global manufacturers of medical technology, known for its increased reliability.

Theoretical Foundations of Dialysis

The filtering action of both artificial and natural semi-permeable membranes is based on two physical phenomena.

• Diffusion – the mutual mixing of liquids.
• Osmosis – the diffusion of water through a membrane, directed from a solution with a lower concentration of dissolved substances to a solution with a higher concentration of dissolved substances.

Students in class conduct a simple experiment: in a dish divided into two halves by a membrane, clean water is poured on one side of the membrane, and a salt solution is poured on the other side. Soon, the water in both parts of the dish becomes equally salty, as water molecules can pass through the membrane in both directions until both solutions reach an equilibrium concentration.

A similar process occurs in the case of the peritoneal membrane: the dialysis solution poured into the abdominal cavity "pulls" the circulating metabolic waste through the membrane, performing the role of the kidneys. It is only necessary to periodically replace this solution with a new one to ensure a continuous cleansing process from toxins. The method of peritoneal dialysis is also used to remove excess water from the body, correct electrolyte imbalances, and more.

How Dialysis is Performed at Top Ihilov Clinic

A catheter is surgically implanted in the patient, under local or general anesthesia, with one end exiting into the abdominal cavity and the other end outside. Through it, two to three liters of sterile aqueous solution containing glucose, a complex of salts, and auxiliary substances are poured into the abdominal cavity. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes, after which the solution remains in the abdominal cavity for 4-6 hours, dissolving metabolic products that enter through the bloodstream to the capillaries of the peritoneal membrane. After that, the solution is replaced with fresh one.

The pouring and removal of the solution can be done manually or automatically: in the first case, the process is called continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (during the day, every few hours, 2 liters of fresh solution is poured into the patient, and 2 liters of used solution are removed; the procedure can be performed up to 4-6 times a day), while in the case of automatic solution replacement, the procedure is called automated peritoneal dialysis and is performed at night while the patient sleeps.

In global medical practice, several types of catheters are used for peritoneal dialysis – all differ in shape and size, with the most commonly used being a catheter with a connector, through which fresh solution enters from one end, and the used solution is removed from the abdominal cavity through the other end.

Peritoneal dialysis has several advantages over hemodialysis – it provides a higher quality of life for the patient due to increased mobility and independence from medical equipment, ease of use, and maintenance of residual kidney function. Additionally, compared to hemodialysis, the procedure is more flexible and better tolerated by patients (especially those with cardiovascular diseases). Among the main disadvantages of the method are weak control over fluctuations in blood pressure caused by excess fluid in the body and the risk of developing peritonitis due to infection of the abdominal cavity.

Most people undergoing dialysis are prescribed a diet that limits the intake of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and proteins. However, this diet is much less strict than that prescribed for patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Many patients have the opportunity to perform peritoneal dialysis at home. For this, a place should be prepared – it should be dry and clean, most likely your bedroom. It is necessary to remove pets from this room. To prevent the development of peritonitis, patients must follow a number of rules.

• Thoroughly wash hands before touching the catheter.
• Daily rinse the catheter insertion site and treat it with antiseptics.
• Keep the catheter as dry as possible at all other times.
• Store the dialysis solution and all necessary medical supplies in a dry and clean place.
• Wear a medical mask when pouring and removing the solution.
• Pour and remove the solution in a specially designated dry and clean room.
• Carefully monitor any symptoms of infection, which may include redness or pain at the catheter insertion site, cloudiness of the dialysis fluid removed from the abdominal cavity, fever, etc.

If necessary, all manipulations related to catheter care, pouring, and removing the dialysis solution can be performed by the staff of our clinic, and the patient will only need to visit our dialysis center from time to time.

Peritoneal Dialysis in Israel – Reviews, Costs

Advantages of Peritoneal Dialysis at Top Ihilov Clinic

• In our medical center, dialysis is performed by experienced specialists who possess all the necessary knowledge and skills to avoid serious dialysis complications such as peritonitis or hyperosmolar coma.
• Modern surgical equipment is used for catheter implantation. The catheters themselves meet all international safety requirements and are securely fixed.
• The replacement of the dialysis solution in the conditions of outpatient dialysis is carried out in specially adapted clean, bright, and comfortable rooms. The rooms for automated dialysis also offer a high level of comfort and are well-equipped with everything necessary.
• Patients at Top Ihilov are closely monitored by doctors and medical staff. The dialysis procedure requires constant monitoring of the patient's condition to prevent the development of possible complications – and our doctors excel at this task.
• Interaction with the clinic staff, organization of medical procedures, and translation of medical documentation is handled by a curator-translator provided free of charge by the clinic – an employee of the international department.