Peritoneal dialysis - A treatment that allows patients to 'do dialysis' at home under the guidance of a doctor

(Chinhphu.vn) - In the context of the increasing number of people with chronic kidney disease in Vietnam, peritoneal dialysis is considered an effective and humane approach, helping patients to be more proactive in their treatment. Patients can be instructed to perform peritoneal dialysis at home, under regular monitoring by their doctor, instead of having to go to a medical facility several times a week.

Reporter of the Government Electronic Newspaper had an interview with Ms. Tran Thuy Duong, General Director of Vantive Vietnam Co., Ltd. - a company specializing in therapy for vital organs, with a legacy of more than 70 years of innovation in kidney care, public-private partnership in the field of medical equipment and renal replacement therapy, to learn about the potential for access to peritoneal dialysis treatment for patients and the development orientation of the enterprise in the coming time.

Peritoneal dialysis - a new step forward in the treatment of end-stage chronic kidney disease

Madam, peritoneal dialysis is currently considered one of the advances in the treatment of end-stage chronic kidney disease. Could you briefly share the principles and outstanding advantages of this method compared to regular dialysis at the hospital?

Ms. Tran Thuy Duong: Chronic kidney disease is a major health burden in many countries, including Vietnam, where it is estimated that millions of people are suffering from it at different stages. Currently, there are about 10 million Vietnamese adults – equivalent to nearly 10% of the population – living with chronic kidney disease. What is worrying is that many people only discover the disease when their kidneys have lost function and cannot be restored, and only 5% of them can access renal replacement therapy.

To maintain life, patients must receive kidney replacement therapy using two main methods: periodic blood filtration at the hospital (artificial kidney dialysis at the hospital) and peritoneal dialysis (by hand or by machine) at home. Of these, peritoneal dialysis is considered a new direction with many advantages, especially improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

The principle of this method is to use the patient's peritoneal cavity lining serosa as a natural biological filter. The dialysis solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, and after a period of time will be released, carrying out toxins and excess water.

The special feature of peritoneal dialysis is that after being trained and prescribed by a doctor, the patient can do it at home, without depending on large machines or having to go to the hospital 3 times a week like regular dialysis at the hospital.

In addition, this method helps maintain stable blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular complications, especially suitable for the elderly or those with underlying diseases. In many developed countries, the rate of patients choosing peritoneal dialysis accounts for about 30-40% of the total number of renal replacement therapy cases, showing that this is a commonly applied method and brings many clinical benefits.

Bringing a better quality of life to patients

With current treatment practices, what specific benefits does peritoneal dialysis bring to patients with chronic kidney disease, madam?

Ms. Tran Thuy Duong: It can be said that home peritoneal dialysis brings freedom and a new quality of life to patients. When fully instructed by a doctor, patients or caregivers can perform peritoneal dialysis at home. Especially with the form of peritoneal dialysis using a machine for support, the filtration and fluid exchange process will take place at night - when the patient is sleeping, helping them to still be able to work, study or take care of their family during the day like normal people.

Reducing travel time and money and dependence on medical facilities helps them save costs, be more proactive in their daily lives and maintain a more optimistic spirit during treatment. Thanks to that, patients can still maintain their jobs and a good quality of life, thereby contributing to the overall development of the community and the economy .

From a technical perspective, peritoneal dialysis provides gentle and continuous detoxification, resulting in less fatigue, hypotension, or fatigue after each dialysis session than with hospital-based dialysis. Another advantage is that this method preserves residual kidney function for longer, provides cardiovascular support, and maintains biochemical and hemodynamic stability.

At the social level, expanding peritoneal dialysis will significantly reduce the burden on the health system, especially at overloaded dialysis centers. In many countries and territories such as Hong Kong (China), Taiwan, Korea, Thailand or Singapore, patients treated with peritoneal dialysis are noted to be able to maintain stable health for a long time and integrate into daily life. I believe that when this method is widely popularized with a standardized support system, patients in Vietnam will also achieve similar results.

With the form of peritoneal dialysis using a machine for support, the filtration and fluid exchange process will take place at night - when the patient is sleeping, allowing them to still work, study or take care of their family during the day like normal people.

Follow procedures and sterilization to ensure safety

Besides the positive aspects, what should patients pay attention to when choosing and maintaining peritoneal dialysis to ensure effectiveness and safety, madam?

Ms. Tran Thuy Duong: This method has many advantages and patients need to comply with personal hygiene and have a high sense of self-care. The most important thing is to ensure the principle of aseptic technique during the fluid change process. Patients need to be carefully instructed on the operating procedure, sterilize the instruments and keep the surrounding environment clean during the fluid change process, to limit the risk of complications such as peritonitis.

In addition to technical factors, patients need to have regular check-ups, blood tests and check the dialysis solution so that the doctor can adjust the appropriate treatment regimen. Nutrition is also very important - patients need a balanced diet, limited salt, ensuring enough energy but not increasing pressure on the kidneys.

Medical device companies like Vantive are partnering with major hospitals to offer training programs to help patients and caregivers practice proper techniques.

The goal is for every patient, whether in urban or rural areas, to be able to confidently receive safe, effective and independent treatment with remote expert support.

Health insurance covers most of the cost of peritoneal dialysis.

One issue that many people are concerned about is the cost of treatment. Could you share more specifically about the payment via Health Insurance (BHXH) for the current peritoneal dialysis method?

Ms. Tran Thuy Duong: This is a very practical question. According to current regulations, health insurance covers most of the cost of peritoneal dialysis treatment for inpatients... For outpatients, health insurance covers the dialysis solution, some accompanying medications and examination fees. Patients only have to pay a small portion of the remaining cost, similar to when performing periodic hemodialysis. This policy has significantly reduced the financial burden for tens of thousands of patients nationwide.

On Vantive’s side, Vantive works with insurance agencies and medical facilities to ensure compliance with professional regulations and transparency in the payment process. The goal is to help patients benefit maximally from government policies, reduce financial pressure, and ensure treatment quality comparable to that of developed countries.

Vantive expands strategy for the Vietnamese kidney patient community

As a business accompanying the medical industry, what is Vantive's orientation and strategy to develop this method in Vietnam in the coming time?

Ms. Tran Thuy Duong: Vantive's strategy in the coming period focuses on three main pillars: expanding access - standardizing training - and transferring technology. We are coordinating with central and provincial hospitals to build a peritoneal dialysis training center to support doctors, nurses and patients to be able to perform the correct procedure, ensuring maximum safety.

Vantive also promotes research and development of new types of dialysis solutions to meet clinical treatment needs, diversifying the supply of supplies to increase initiative in the supply chain and expand access for patients. In addition, we are implementing digital technology applications in home patient management, helping doctors monitor treatment parameters remotely and warn early of abnormal signs.

Vantive's vision is to make peritoneal dialysis a universal, humane and sustainable medical solution, helping kidney patients everywhere to access safe, convenient and economical treatment. We believe that, with the cooperation of the health sector, insurance agencies and the business community, Vietnam can completely achieve modern kidney care standards like advanced countries in the region.

Thank you very much./.

* This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Patients should follow the instructions of a medical specialist before applying any treatment method.

Giang Oanh (performed)

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/loc-mang-bung-huong-dieu-tri-giup-nguoi-benh-co-the-chay-than-tai-nha-duoi-huong-dan-cua-bac-si-102251018101842852.htm