Hemodialysis in the Philippines: To re-use the Dialyzer or not?

Hemodialaysis centers in the Philippines especially in Manila are plentiful.

Prices per 4 hour session varies from P2,800 to 5,000 depending on the hospital / center and depending whether they re-use the dialyzer or not.

The dialyzer is the filter through which the toxins are passed in the machine. It is actually the "artificial kidney" By re-using, it means that the dialyzer is cleaned and sterilized and re-used for about 2-4 times.

Our family opted for a center that did not re-use (Fresenius in Pasong Tamo extension in Makati) but we also tried other centers which re-used. My father especially liked Fresenius because of its very nice facilities, superb cleanliness and very nice and friendly staff. With Senior Citizen discount, the treatment cost us P3200 back in 2008 (I think it was in promo then). 

Hemodialysis Needs Arterio-Venous FISTULA

Patients with kidney failure are treated with hemodialysis.

In dialysis, blood is withdrawn from an artery or vein, purified, and returned to a vein. The volume of blood is too great for veins to handle, so a vein must be enlarged. An artery and vein, usually in the arm above or below the elbow, are sewn together, to create a fistula, and arterial pressure eventually enlarges the vein. The enlarged vein can accommodate a cannula or large needle.

In the Philippines, more doctors opt for Hemodialysis so they require a fistula done on the patient as early as possible (around stage 3 or 4)  especially if the patient chooses not to go through kidney transplant.

My father had his done at the UST hospital (University of Sto. Tomas) in Manila last 2006 and it cost around P12-15,000.

You know it's a good fistula when the artery and vein actually bulge and touching it, you feel the full forceful pressure of the flow.

If there is a sudden need for dialysis and the AV Fistula was not done, I have seen the doctors gain access on the neck or on the abdominal area which is so inconvenient.

Best to do this earliest possible. All patients with kidney disease will eventually go to dialysis at one point anyway, even while waiting for a donor (if he does opt for a transplant in the future).