Hemodialysis
Definition
Dialysis is a treatment that can take over the job of your kidneys. It is done during regular visits to a clinic. Blood passes from the body to a machine. The machine will clean the blood then return it to the body.
There are two types of dialysis. This fact sheet will focus on hemodialysis.
Reasons for Procedure
The kidneys have many important jobs. They clear toxins out of the blood and help balance salt levels. Dialysis may be needed if the kidneys are not able to work well. It may be started when the kidneys have lost more than 90% of their function. Hemodialysis can help to:
- Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood
- Control blood pressure
- Keep a safe level of salts in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride
Dialysis may be used short term to allow your kidneys to rest and heal. It may also be done to treat a poisoning or drug overdose. Dialysis can quickly remove toxins from the bloodstream.
Dialysis may be permanently needed for severe kidney damage. It can improve quality and length of life in people with severe kidney disease.
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will review possible problems, like:
- A drop in blood pressure during hemodialysis
- Problems with heart rhythm
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headaches
- Infection
- Feeling hot, sweaty, weak, and/or lightheaded
- Disruption of calcium and phosphorus balance, resulting in weakened bones
Heart problems may increase the risk of problems from hemodialysis.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
A fistula may be needed for long term dialysis. It allows better access to blood flow during dialysis. A surgery is needed to make the fistula. It will take 4 to 6 months before it can be used. Your care team will connect directly to blood vessels until it is ready.
Before hemodialysis:
- Weight, blood pressure, and temperature will be taken
- Heparin will be given—to prevent blood clotting
Anesthesia
A medicine may be placed over the area the needle is placed. This will help to numb the skin.
Description of the Procedure
Hemodialysis is done at a dialysis center or hospital. It may be done at home with assistance. They will need to gain access to your blood flow. This may be through a large IV in one of the major veins of the neck. The fistula will be used if one is available.
Blood will pass through one needle, into a tube to a machine. The machine will filter and clean the blood. It will then be passed out through a tube and back into your body. You will sit in a chair while the process works.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
How Long Will It Take?
Hemodialysis is usually done 3 times a week. Each treatment can last 3 to 4 hours. The specific time needed depends on your needs.
Will It Hurt?
You will not feel the blood exchange. There may be some discomfort when the needle is placed.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
Your blood pressure will be checked. Some may have a decrease in blood pressure. It can cause nausea, headache, or cramps. This may happen less often in later treatment.
Once blood pressure is stable, you will be able to leave. Most will be able to return to normal activities.
At Home
You may need a special diet. This will help your overall health. It can also decrease stress on your kidneys. Ask your doctor about your diet.
Call Your Doctor
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the catheter or tube insertion site
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lightheadedness or weakness
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
Kidney Dialysis Foundation
http://www.kdf.org.sg
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
https://www.kidney.ca
REFERENCES:
Hemodialysis. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hemodialysis. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Dialysis for end-stage renal disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T900075/Dialysis-for-end-stage-renal-disease. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Hemodialysis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/hemodialysis. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD Last Updated: 01/29/2021