Dialysis

HSA is the primary provider of dialysis services in the Cayman Islands with a spacious Dialysis Unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital – the largest on the islands. It can accommodate up to 13 dialysis patients at one time and dialyze 33 to 39 patients per day, on average. There is also a dialysis chair available at the Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac for our Sister Islands residents and visitors.

A dialysis nurse is always on call for emergencies. Our team provides transport service to dialysis patients who are not able to drive themselves to the hospital due to their medical condition.

We offer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments to end-stage renal disease patients. Peritoneal dialysis training is available to our new patients as well.

We also offer hemodialysis treatment to patients who visit the island on holidays, including cruise line passengers. To book vacation dialysis please contact the unit at (345) 244 2624 or (345) 244 2769 or email info@hsa.ky.

Opening Hours

• Our Dialysis Unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital is open 6 days a week: Mondays to Saturdays and public holidays from 7am – 12am midnight.
• Our dialysis service at the Faith Hospital is provided upon request and dependent on availability.

About Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease, also known as kidney failure, is a condition where the function of the kidneys gradually starts to deteriorate. The kidneys are organs responsible for removing toxins or excess fluids from the bloodstream and if kidney disease becomes chronic, multitudes of wastes will accumulate in the body at dangerous levels. Without dialysis or ‘artificial filtering’, kidney failure can be fatal, and you may require a kidney transplant.

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a procedure that basically replaces the kidney function if it no longer works. The dialysis machine filters waste and purifies the blood, which keeps electrolyte levels and excess fluids in check when the kidneys are unable to.

When is dialysis needed?

Dialysis is often needed when the kidneys are failing at end-stage, meaning they are only performing at 10% to 15% normal capacity. Dialysis ensures that blood pressure and blood-chemical levels are stabilised and regulated. If kidneys do not perform their function, such as aiding calcium absorption, sodium absorption and waste filtration, dialysis is needed to prevent the body from becoming poisoned or damaging any other organs.

Treatments

Types of dialysis treatments:

1. Hemodialysis (HD)
   As one of the most common dialysis treatments, hemodialysis uses an artificial kidney in place of the real kidney. Excess blood/fluids are removed from the body and they run through the artificial kidney. The blood is then filtered and re-enters the body through the machine. Prior to having blood flow to the artificial organ, you will need an entrance point (acquired through surgery) to provide access to the vascular system. Three (3) types of entrance points include an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, an AV graft, and a vascular catheter. Each type involves creating a connection between the main arteries, vein(s) and kidney(s). This treatment is offered both at the Cayman Islands Hospital and Faith Hospital.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
   As opposed to more of a standard treatment, peritoneal dialysis (PD) begins with surgery. The surgery involves inserting a catheter into the abdomen region to allow a fluid called dialysate to flow. This fluid will enter the peritoneum, which will draw out any impurities in the blood and drain them from the abdomen. This procedure must be repeated several times a day, yet fluids can also be exchanged whilst asleep to speed up the process. Different types of PD include continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis, and intermittent peritoneal dialysis. All of these treatments vary by the nature in which they are performed, either whilst awake, asleep, or in the comfort of your own home. This treatment is offered both at the Cayman Islands Hospital and Faith Hospital.
3. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
   Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (or hemofiltration) is often used as a treatment for acute kidney disease. Through tubing, a specific machine will travel through the bloodstream with a fluid to replace toxic fluids. This therapy must be performed every 12-24 hours every day. This treatment is offered at the Cayman Islands Hospital Critical Care Unit.

Our Dialysis Process

Our Dialysis Unit has a full-time nephrologist and uses the B Braun and Fresenius dialysis machines.

Frequency and the length of dialysis treatments are 1 session every other day, or 3 sessions weekly. On average, there are 4 hours per dialysis session depending on patient’s condition.

We take a holistic approach to our patients’ care, offering them a comprehensive healthcare plan that includes meeting regularly with various experts including nutritionist, pharmacist and mental health professional that will aide them along their treatment.

Our dialysis patients in the Cayman Islands are provided high quality care with statistics showing that our crude mortality rate in chronic hemodialysis for 2020 is 8.45% compared to 16% in United States.