From Dialysis to New Life: How Dialysis Improves Life Expectancy

How Dialysis Helps Improve Life Expectancy in Kidney Disease

Dialysis cannot cure kidney failure, but it sustains life by replacing key kidney functions that would otherwise be impacted. Studies show that with adequate support, dialysis patients can live active lives for 5 to 10 years and, in some cases, 20 years or more ¹.
Here’s how kidney dialysis enhances quality of life:

• Clears Waste: Dialysis removes toxins such as urea and creatinine that accumulate when kidneys fail, preventing dangerous uraemic complications that can lead to death if untreated.
• Electrolyte Balance: Regular dialysis helps balance fluids and key minerals, reducing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), dangerous potassium spikes and other metabolic crises.
• Better Survival Rates: Patients who receive recurring dialysis live longer than those who do not pursue renal replacement therapy. Therefore, dialysis has a critical role in improving the quality of life.
• Long‑Term Treatment: With regular sessions and appropriate medical assessments, many patients live well beyond early survival estimates, which suggests dialysis can improve your lifespan.
• Supports Quality of Life: Reducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea and fluid overload, dialysis not only extends life but improves daily functioning and well‑being when combined with diet and medical care.

Now, let’s analyse some of the factors that influence the survival rates of dialysis patients.

Factors Influencing Survival Rates for Dialysis Patients

Survival rates for kidney dialysis patients depend on multiple factors, such as the dialysis procedure and overall health. Additionally, dialysis is considered as a life‑sustaining treatment, and analysis of the following factors help understand life expectancy.

• Type of Vascular Access: The dialysis procedure outcome is significantly impacted by the type of vascular access. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) have better survival rates than central venous catheters (CVC), as CVCs carry a higher risk of infection and complications.
• Dialysis Treatment Complications: Infections, particularly bloodstream infections, are a significant cause of mortality in dialysis patients. Prompt and effective treatment of diseases during dialysis is critical to maintaining patient survival.
• Pre‑Dialysis Health and Blood Pressure Control: Maintaining a healthy blood pressure before starting dialysis is crucial for more prolonged survival. Patients with poorly controlled blood pressure before the dialysis procedure tend to have deteriorated outcomes, which can affect their overall life expectancy.
• Age and Coexisting Conditions: The elderly and the presence of comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and dialysis decrease survival rates with dialysis. Moreover, the conditions complicate the procedure and increase the chances of adverse health events.
• Regular Dialysis: A consistent dialysis treatment schedule and optimal dialysis procedures are essential to reduce complications and extend survival.

Also read: Comprehensive Guide To Dialysis: Explore Purpose, Benefits, & Process.

Life After Dialysis: Improving Health and Quality of Life

Life after kidney dialysis can improve when treatment stabilises waste and fluid levels, easing symptoms and allowing you to focus on daily health and well‑being.

• Better Physical Comfort: Patients often experience fewer uraemic symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, once toxins are regularly removed by dialysis.
• Stability Through Routine Care: Regular sessions help maintain balanced electrolyte levels, which support physical functioning and reduce the risk of health emergencies.
• Social and Emotional Well‑Being: Support from family, healthcare teams and peer groups is linked to reduced stress, better coping with chronic disease and stronger treatment adherence.
• Individual Factors: Quality of life varies by age, health status, mobility and personal circumstances.
• Improvement Trends After Starting Dialysis: Studies show that patients often improve from poor to moderate or stable quality of life in the early weeks after starting dialysis.

Real-life Success Story

Banani Nath’s journey is a testament to the positive impact of kidney dialysis on long-term health. For the past 6.5 years, she has been receiving regular dialysis, and her condition has seen remarkable improvement. Through continuous care and expert guidance from Dr Rajendra Pandey, her quality of life has greatly enhanced, allowing her to live with greater comfort and stability.

Her story highlights the importance of consistent dialysis treatment and the pivotal role of healthcare professionals in effectively managing kidney disease.

A closer look at the story: Patient Feedback | Eskag Sanjeevani | Free dialysis center | Kolkata.

Let’s now explore diet options for dialysis patients that can help maintain optimal renal function in the long term.

The Role of Diet in Dialysis Longevity

Diet plays a crucial role in the overall success of kidney dialysis, directly influencing how long patients live and their quality of life.

• Dialysis removes protein, which is why it’s crucial to consume enough high‑quality protein to maintain muscle mass and prevent malnutrition.
• Excess sodium leads to fluid retention, swelling, and high blood pressure, all of which can strain the heart and kidneys. Reducing sodium intake helps prevent these issues, improving your overall comfort and health.
• High potassium and phosphorus levels can cause dangerous heart arrhythmias and weak bones. A controlled dialysis diet that limits these minerals reduces the risk of these complications, supporting a healthier long‑term outcome.
• Malnutrition is a common issue in dialysis patients and can lead to a dysfunctional immune system and lower energy levels. Ensuring adequate caloric intake and balanced nutrition can help prevent these problems.

When Is a Kidney Transplant a Better Option for Life Expectancy?

A kidney transplant often offers better long‑term life expectancy than remaining on kidney dialysis alone. A study suggests that patient survival after transplant is high, with 1‑year and 5‑year survival rates usually around 94% and 83 %, respectively ². A successful transplant replaces the failed kidneys better than dialysis, leading to fewer metabolic limitations and often fewer hospitalisations.
Even with age or other conditions, transplant offers a survival advantage for many patients, making it a preferred option when a suitable donor and medical readiness are present. However, visiting a dialysis centre can provide you with clarity on a kidney transplant, which is a more complicated process than dialysis.

Why Choose Eskag Sanjeevani Dialysis as Your Go-To Dialysis Centre?

Eskag Sanjeevani Dialysis provides experienced, compassionate care with advanced dialysis treatments in a safe, well‑equipped environment, helping patients manage kidney failure effectively. The centres have conducted over 2.0 million dialysis sessions and serve patients across 11 states, reflecting their commitment to long‑term care.