Dialysis, more correctly known as renal (kidney) dialysis is the process of artificially performing the functions of the kidneys to filter out toxic waste substances and balance the water and electrolyte levels in the blood and other body fluids. Renal dialysis is only considered when end-stage kidney failure reaches a point where the kidneys are unable to perform this function. Usually one kidney can manage with a low level of functioning and a healthy kidney can compensate for even a total failure of the other kidney. In severe cases where both kidneys fail, dialysis is necessary. Sometimes in acute kidney failure, dialysis is needed in the short term until the underlying disease is treated and at least partial kidney function is restored.
Renal colic is the pain associated with the passage of a kidney stone through the urinary tract. It is said to be one of the most excruciating painful events that a person may endure in life. The pain onset is sudden and severe, occurring in the lower back, either on one side or on both sides. It typically goes from loin to groin, and may radiate down to the testis (men) or labia (women).
What causes renal colic?
Causes of Renal Colic
Kidney stones (renal calculi) form within the kidneys where they are usually painless. It may travel down into the ureters, the tubular structures that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. These stones are made up of aggregates of crystals and may be of different types, of which calcium oxalate and phosphate stones seem to be most common. The other types of stones may consist of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite), cystine or uric acid.