How Hemodialysis Works: The Essential Guide for Patients with Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is a serious condition where the kidneys are unable to effectively remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Hemodialysis is one of the most common and effective treatments for this condition. This article delves into the process of how hemodialysis works, including the machinery, the procedure, and when it becomes necessary. It also explores the alternative treatment option, peritoneal dialysis.

What is Hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure that helps to perform the functions of the kidneys when they fail. It involves the removal of waste products, extra fluids, and electrolytes from the blood. Hemodialysis is commonly used when kidney function drops below 10-15%, marking the onset of Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as kidney failure. At this stage, the kidneys can no longer effectively filter the blood to remove waste and excess fluid, leading to a buildup of these substances in the body.

The Hemodialysis Process

The process of hemodialysis involves the following steps:

Access Creation: A vascular access point is created for the blood to enter and exit the dialysis machine. This can be through a catheter placed in a vein, an arteriovenous (AV) fistula formed by connecting an artery and a vein, or an arteriovenous (AV) graft that is surgically placed between an artery and a vein. Machine Setup: The dialysis machine is connected to the patient via the access point. The machine consists of a dialyzer (also known as a dialyzer or artificial kidney), which is a filter that removes waste products from the blood. Blood Circulation: Blood is drawn from the patient's body, passed through the dialyzer, and then returned to the body. The process involves two tubes, one that draws the blood out of the body and one that pumps the treated blood back in. Filtration and Fluid Balance: The dialysis machine filters out waste products such as urea, creatinine, and excess electrolytes. It also helps regulate fluid balance by removing excess water and replacing electrolytes to maintain a healthy balance in the body. Treatment Time: Each hemodialysis session typically lasts about 4 hours, though the duration can vary based on the patient’s condition and the prescribed treatment regimen.

The treated blood is then returned to the patient's body, effectively cleaning and balancing the blood as the kidneys would normally do. The process is repeated at regular intervals, often three times a week, to manage the symptoms and maintain overall health.

When is Hemodialysis Necessary?

Hemodialysis becomes necessary when kidney function drops below 10-15%, which marks Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), otherwise known as kidney failure. At this stage, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter the blood, leading to a buildup of waste and excess fluid in the body. Common symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, swelling in the legs, nausea, and changes in urination habits. These symptoms can be severe and life-threatening, making dialysis a crucial treatment.

Hemodialysis is one of the primary methods for managing kidney failure, alongside peritoneal dialysis, which we will explore in the next section.

Peritoneal Dialysis: An Alternative to Hemodialysis

In addition to hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis is another effective treatment option for kidney failure. This method uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter waste products from the blood. The process involves inserting a catheter into the abdomen, which allows a special solution to be introduced and then drained, taking with it waste and excess fluid.

Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home and requires less frequent hospital visits compared to hemodialysis. However, home dialysis still requires a similar level of care and a daily cleaning routine to prevent infections. The success of peritoneal dialysis largely depends on strict adherence to the treatment protocol and proper care of the catheter to ensure it remains infection-free.

Conclusion

Hemodialysis is a critical procedure for patients with kidney failure, helping to manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with kidney failure. By understanding the process of dialysis and when it becomes necessary, patients can take proactive steps to maintain their health and quality of life. For more insights and support, you can explore my Quora profile for additional information and resources on dialysis and kidney health.

For more detailed information on dialysis and other kidney-related topics, you may refer to the following resources:

Patient Resources from the National Kidney Foundation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kidney Disease Information Medical News Today - Dialysis 101: A Guide for Dialysis Patients