Overview

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure that keeps people alive by removing waste products, extra fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure are most likely to have it done. During hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body through a vascular access site, filtered through a special machine called a dialyser (artificial kidney), and then returned to the body. Dialysis centres usually do the procedure, but some patients may be able to do it at home. Most of the time, treatments are done three times a week, and each session lasts about four hours.

Why It Is Done
When the kidneys can't filter blood effectively anymore, hemodialysis is performed. When the kidneys fail, harmful waste products and extra fluid build-up in the body. This can cause symptoms like swelling, tiredness, shortness of breath, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Hemodialysis helps keep the body's chemicals in balance, keeps blood pressure in check, and stops complications that could be fatal while waiting for a kidney transplant or as a long-term treatment.

What to Expect?
Before starting hemodialysis, a vascular access is created, usually in the arm, using an arteriovenous (AV) graft or fistula. This access lets blood flow easily to and from the dialysis machine. Checking weight, blood pressure, and vital signs is done before each session. Two needles are put into the access site during dialysis. Blood flows through tubing into the dialyser, where it is cleaned and filtered before returning to the body. Most of the time, the process doesn't hurt, but some patients may feel tired or crampy. Patients can read, relax, or watch TV while they are being treated. After the session, patients' vital signs are checked again, and they can go home.

Recovery & Outlook
Most people feel tired after dialysis, but they feel better in a few hours. To get the best results, you need to stick to your diet, drink only a certain amount of fluids, and take your medications on time. Hemodialysis effectively takes over important kidney functions and helps people live longer, but kidney transplantation is a better long-term solution when it is possible.