If renal function only five to ten percent of its normal capacity, the condition is referred to as end-stage renal disease. This means that the function must be replaced by a kidney transplant or dialysis machine (dialysis).
Kidney is an organ whose primary function to remove excess fluid and waste products from the blood. The kidneys also function as an endocrine gland, which produces hormones that are important for the formation of red blood cells, regulate blood pressure, and bone formation.
According to 2010 data, cause of end-stage renal disease include hypertension (35 percent), diabetes (25 percent), obstruction and pyelonephritis (15 percent), glomerulonephritis (13 percent), and others (10 percent). It is estimated there are currently about 300,000 people with kidney failure in Indonesia.
Patients with renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, including dialysis (hemodialysis), blood screening inserted into the abdominal cavity, or kidney transplant.
Dialysis can be used as a temporary measure in young patients while waiting for kidney transplants. But this action can also be permanent for those with chronic kidney failure when a kidney transplant is not possible due to aging or other medical reasons.
To achieve optimal health level, ideally required dialysis several times a week. How long each dialysis session depends on various factors, such as body weight, machines used, and how many toxins that accumulate in kidney dialysis since the previous session.
So, when exactly a person requires dialysis? According to experts from the Mayo Clinic it varies for each patient. Doctors will basically try to confront chronic renal failure as much as possible by conservatives as long as possible, ie with diet or drugs.
But, if it can not be avoided as well, in time dialysis is the only option.
Cost of dialysis itself is very expensive, ranging from Rp 50 million to Rp 100 million per year. While a kidney transplant will cost Rp 200 million dollars, not including the cost of care per year.
That's why prevention is better than cure kidney disorders.