Hemodialysis is a procedure where excess fluids and waste products are filtered from the blood. It is done externally using a machine called a dialyzer.
Millions of people in America have received a kidney disease diagnosis. Also, more than 557,000 people in America are on dialysis.
Dialysis is a procedure that removes waste and extra fluid from the blood. One common kind of dialysis is hemodialysis.
In hemodialysis, a dialyzer — which is a part of a dialysis machine — filters blood outside the body. It helps remove extra fluids and waste products from the body when the kidneys can’t.
Hemodialysis can extend the life span of those with acute kidney failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD).
How is hemodialysis used?
Hemodialysis is a procedure used to externally remove extra fluids and waste products from the body. It may be necessary when an individual’s kidneys aren’t functioning well.
This can be the result of either acute kidney failure or CKD .
While hemodialysis can’t heal one’s kidneys or replace all of their functions, it can help keep the body healthier until a kidney transplant can occur.
It can also extend the life of those not otherwise eligible for a kidney transplant.
How does hemodialysis work?
Hemodialysis is usually done in an outpatient setting. To perform hemodialysis , healthcare professionals will place two needles into your arm.
Blood exits the body through one of the needles and travels through tubing to an external filter called a dialyzer. After being filtered through the dialyzer, blood will travel through another set of tubing to the second needle where it can reenter your body.
When blood travels through the dialyzer, it is forced through very thin, hollow fibers as a watery chemical solution flows in the opposite direction outside the fibers.
Waste products in the blood are transferred into this fluid as the filtered blood continues through the hollow fibers and returns to the body.
Are there different types of hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis may be done at home or at a medical facility. It can be effective in both environments, but there are benefits and drawbacks to each .
When hemodialysis is done in a medical facility you may have several treatment-free days a week. Sessions may be long, though, and you’ll have to travel to the facility.
When hemodialysis is done at home, you’ll typically need more frequent treatments. You’ll have more control over the timing of your treatments and can stay in your own home while undergoing dialysis.
Other dialysis types
Another type of dialysis is called peritoneal dialysis .
While hemodialysis filters blood outside the body through a dialyzer, peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum, the inner lining of the abdomen, as the filter for your blood.
A catheter will need to be surgically placed in the abdomen for peritoneal dialysis. Special solution flows through this catheter into the body where it absorbs extra waste and fluids.
Hemodialysis and your diet
When you’re undergoing hemodialysis, it’s important to keep track of the liquids you eat and drink . You may wish to ask your renal dietitian:
- What foods count as liquids?
- What is my dry weight goal? (This is your weight after dialysis without extra fluids.)
- How much liquid can I have in a day?
- How much protein, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium should I consume daily?
- Do I need supplements?
How effective is hemodialysis?
Individual cases vary, but people are surviving longer on dialysis than in previous decades. With continuing medical advances, even longer survival with dialysis is expected.
You may continue on dialysis for many years. It can function as your body’s kidneys for people with kidney failure, and many people can live a long life while on dialysis.
This is especially important for people who may not be candidates for a kidney transplant. For those who do qualify for a kidney transplant, dialysis may be necessary until a suitable donor is found.
What are the side effects of hemodialysis?
Side effects of dialysis can include:
Undergoing hemodialysis also increases an individual’s risk of sepsis .
Hemodialysis and travel
Hemodialysis can make traveling more complicated. Preparations should begin several months beforehand and can include:
- Discussing your dialysis treatment plan with your care team.
- Shipping any necessary home hemodialysis supplies.
- Making appointments with clinics in the areas you’ll be staying.
- Talking with your insurance provider to ensure any care you’ll be getting is covered.
- Bringing your last treatment log sheets and extra medication in case emergencies arise.
- Requesting a low salt meal if flying.
The takeaway
Hemodialysis is a procedure that filters waste and extra fluids from the blood. It may be necessary if your kidneys are not functioning at a healthy level. It can be done at home or in a medical facility with the help of a dialyzer.
Hemodialysis treatment plans may vary in the number of days that you undergo dialysis and the amount of liquids you can consume.
It’s important to discuss this with your doctor. It’s important to also address any underlying health conditions that are causing you to need hemodialysis.
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