| [ Summary ] |
In cases where dialysis has been initiated for chronic renal failure, unless a kidney transplant is performed, dialysis must be continued to sustain life. With the start of dialysis, conditions associated with chronic renal failure improve but increasing age produces various complications for a variety of reasons and the patient may enter the terminal stage. The "terminal stage" is not a state limited to dialysis patients. However, this term implys death of the dialysis patient within one week if dialysis is not continued. Thus, treatment must proceed in consideration of numerous unique patient needs. The withdrawal (termination) of dialysis is unique to individuals and decisions require discretion, respect of the fullest intentions of the patient or appropriate representative keeping in mind that it is a proposition which requires medical, ethical and legal consideration. |