Overview

Hemodialysis is one of those life-saving medical procedures that come into play when the kidneys can no longer filter waste, toxins, and surplus amounts of water from the blood in an adequate manner. This process uses a machine and a special dialyser filter to purify the blood outside the body. Hemodialysis works for patients diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease or severe acute kidney injury.

The normal kidney filters the blood throughout the day. However, in kidney failure, the waste materials such as urea and creatinine build up in the body. Hemodialysis substitutes artificially and helps to restore chemical equilibrium, to control blood pressure, and to prevent life-threatening complications.

When is Hemodialysis Needed?

Your doctor may recommend hemodialysis after the preservation of less than 10-15% of the renal function due to chronic or acute causes. Signs that point to a possible start of dialysis may be:-

Persistent nausea or vomiting
Swelling in hands, legs, or face
Fatigue or confusion
Breathing difficulty
Decreased urine output
High potassium or acid levels in the blood
Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Common Causes of Kidney Failure Requiring Hemodialysis:-

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Diabetes mellitus (leading cause of kidney failure)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Polycystic kidney disease
Glomerulonephritis
Severe urinary tract obstruction
Acute kidney injury from infections, toxins, or medications

To determine whether you need hemodialysis, your doctor will assess your kidney function, using: -

Blood Tests - To measure levels of creatinine, urea (BUN), potassium, and other electrolytes.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) - To test the level of kidney function. A GFR less than 15 implies end-stage renal disease.
Urine Tests - To assess protein loss, signs of infection, or sediment that may indicate kidney disease.
Imaging - An ultrasound or a CT scan to determine the size and structure of the kidneys and any blockage.
Kidney Biopsy - In certain situations, a small tissue sample helps assess the underlying cause of kidney failure.

How Hemodialysis Works

During hemodialysis, your blood goes out from your body, passes through a dialyser (artificial kidney), and then returns:-

1. Access Point - Doctors remove blood via a vascular access site:-

An AV or arteriovenous fistula is a surgical connection between an artery and a vein.
AV graft - a synthetic tube used when veins are unsuitable.
Central venous catheter - used temporarily in emergencies.

2. Dialyser Process - The blood passes through semi-permeable membranes that filter out toxins, excess salts, and fluids inside the machine.

3. Return - The cleansed blood safely returns to your body.

Frequency

Most patients undergo hemodialysis 3 times a week, lasting 3–5 hours each session. However, some may require more frequent sessions based on medical need.

Outlook & Prognosis

Hemodialysis does not cure kidney failure but significantly prolongs life and improves quality of life by performing critical kidney functions. With proper care, many patients live for years on dialysis.

Prognosis relies upon:-

Age and General Health
Cause of kidney failure
Compliance with dialysis schedule
Control of other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension

Eventually, some patients may be able to qualify for a kidney transplant, which is a long-term solution.

Prevention

If hemodialysis is a treatment, preventing the need for it depends on initiating measures that ensure kidney health. Here is how:-

Perfectly control blood sugar and blood pressure.
Drink, but not excessively salty.
Stay away from the overuse of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen).
Regular check-ups for a family member who has kidney disease.
Treat urinary infections and other kidney diseases promptly.

Living with Hemodialysis

Adjusting to life with hemodialysis may be difficult, but with a lot of support systems, lifestyle changes may become easier:-

Diet - Dietary restrictions include sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid. A renal dietitian can assist in drawing up a tailor-made diet plan.
Medications may control blood pressure, anaemia, bone health, and other ailments.
Mind - Depression and anxiety can develop. Those support groups, counselling, etc., can go a long way.
Jobs & Activities - Most patients work or participate in hobbies on a modified schedule.

Assistance of a healthy routine, regular follow-up visits, and monitoring for complications (e.g. infections, access issues) will be paramount.

Is hemodialysis painful?

To our knowledge, hemodialysis is not painful. However, a few individuals may feel mild pain either during needle insertion or afterwards due to low blood pressure during treatment.

Can I travel while on dialysis?

Dialysis is an option for travel, provided doctors make extensive planning. There are many temporary patient dialysis facilities in India and throughout the world. Make sure your physician is informed beforehand.

How long can I live on dialysis?

Survival varies from person to person, with many surviving for 5 to 10 years or longer.

Is a kidney transplant better than dialysis?

Kidney transplants are a better alternative to dialysis because they provide independence and a better quality of life. However, not all patients may be suitable candidates.

Can I stop dialysis if I feel better?

You cannot discontinue dialysis on your own, even if you feel better. If one starts dialysis for end-stage kidney disease, stopping will endanger life by failing to undergo a transplant.

Why choose Tender Palm Hospital for Hemodialysis in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Hemodialysis in Lucknow, India. Our experienced Nephrologists uses advanced technology, and provides patient-focused care, the hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.