Ernährung nach Dialyseabbruch?

Abstract

Whether after the termination of renal dialysis the supply of liquid and solid foods as well as the mechanical removal of water should be continued is a moral problem, which is discussed within the context of the question under which condition a permanent termination of renal dialysis can be morally justified. The authors assume that medicine does not have the purpose of fighting incurable, viz. deadly diseases at all cost but that it is obliged to support life and reduce suffering without taking that life. Tue supply of liquid and solid foods is seen as a fundamental need implied by life itself. Doctors are obliged to satisfy that need even after the termination of renal dialysis, at least as long as the patient has given no clear indication to the contrary. Besides, the supply of liquids to uraemic patients proves to be a measure to reduce suffering and therefore ease dying, albeit under the condition that water is mechanically removed at the same time in order to avoid hyper-hydration.