What is Hemodialysis?

When a person is diagnosed with kidney failure, also known as renal failure, they will likely have to do dialysis.

There are two kinds of dialysis treatments, peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. This article's focus will be on hemodialysis, explaining what it is and how it works.

Why is hemodialysis required?

Our kidneys filter toxins from our blood and dispose of them. The kidneys also help to ensure that we have a balanced amount of potassium, sodium, calcium, and other minerals and substances in our blood.

When a person has renal failure the kidneys no longer do their job of eliminating waste. According to an article on WebMD titled, Acute Renal Failure, "When your kidneys stop working, waste products, fluids, and electrolytes build up in your body. This can cause problems that can be deadly." Because of this hemodialysis may be required.

What is hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is a process where a person with renal failure must have a catheter surgically inserted into the large vein in the arm or in some cases the heart.

During hemodialysis the individual reclines in a comfortable chair or bed, and the catheter is connected to a large clear tube, which is connected to the hemodialysis machine.

Once the dialysis process begins the person's blood is removed through the catheter and into the machine where it filters the blood, removing waste and toxins. Once the blood has been cleansed it returns to the individual through the catheter.

Because the blood can only be removed and cleansed gradually, the hemodialysis process can last for up to four hours.

Hemodialysis is usually done in a dialysis center. The rooms are usually open, with many other individuals receiving hemodialysis treatments. The centers are supervised by many dialysis technicians, so patients are never left without someone to offer help if needed. If a patient is hospitalized hemodialysis can also be done in a hospital.

Many patients use their time receiving hemodialysis treatment to rest, read, knit, listen to music, or watch television. Some patients may be allowed to eat during a hemodialysis treatment, but it depends on their health, if they have other conditions beside renal failure, and what their doctor and dialysis team decide. Many doctors discourage eating during dialysis treatment.

Although hemodialysis is generally safe and the procedure most often goes smoothly there can be complications or unpleasant effects. The most common complication occurring during hemodialysis is decreased blood pressure. Some patients also report having cramps and feeling nauseous after hemodialysis or near the end of the treatment.

Sources:

Acute Renal Failure, WebMD