Hemodialysis Dubai
All Services
- Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Hypertensive Nephropathy
- Kidney Biopsy
- Hemodialysis
- Management of Lupus Nephritis
- Management of Acute Kidney Injury
- Conservative Management of Chronic Kidney Diseases
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Glomerular Disease
- Kidney Stones
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Kidney Transplantation
- Nephrotic and Nephritic syndromes
- Pre & Post Renal Transplant Patients
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a medical treatment used to filter and clean the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function effectively due to kidney failure or severe chronic kidney disease. It involves the use of a machine that mimics the function of healthy kidneys by removing waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood.
Key Points About Hemodialysis
Purpose
- Hemodialysis is primarily used for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney failure, where the kidneys have lost most of their ability to function.
- It helps maintain the balance of chemicals such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate in the blood, and prevents waste products from reaching dangerous levels.
How It Works
- During hemodialysis, a patient's blood is pumped through a machine called a dialyzer or "artificial kidney."
- The dialyzer contains a special filter with a semi-permeable membrane. As blood flows through this filter, waste products and excess fluids pass from the blood into a dialysis fluid (dialysate) on the other side of the membrane.
- The cleaned blood is then returned to the patient’s body.
Access Points
To perform hemodialysis, access to the bloodstream is required. This is typically achieved through:
- Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula: A surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm. This is the preferred method because it provides a strong, reliable access point.
- Arteriovenous (AV) Graft: A synthetic tube that connects an artery and a vein if an AV fistula isn’t possible.
- Central Venous Catheter: A tube inserted into a large vein in the neck, chest, or leg, usually used for short-term or emergency access.
Frequency and Duration
- Hemodialysis is typically performed three times a week , with each session lasting about 3 to 5 hours. However, the exact schedule may vary depending on the patient’s needs.
- Some patients may perform home hemodialysis, which can offer more flexibility in scheduling and potentially shorter or more frequent sessions.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Patients sit or lie down during the procedure, and the process is generally painless, although some discomfort may be experienced when needles are inserted into the access point.
- Common side effects during or after treatment includes fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, and low blood pressure.
Benefits
- Hemodialysis effectively replaces many functions of the kidneys, allowing patients to live longer and with better quality of life than they would without treatment.
- It helps prevent the build-up of waste products, fluids, and electrolytes, which can cause severe complications if left untreated.
Risks and Complications
- Infection: There’s a risk of infection at the access site, especially with central venous catheters.
- Low Blood Pressure: Rapid changes in fluid levels can cause blood pressure to drop, leading to dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
- Muscle Cramps: Imbalances in fluid and electrolytes during dialysis can cause cramping.
- Anemia: Patients on hemodialysis often develop anemia, as the process can reduce red blood cell production.
- Bone Disease: Long-term dialysis can lead to bone problems due to imbalances in calcium and phosphorus levels.
Lifestyle Considerations
- Hemodialysis requires a significant time commitment and may impact work, travel, and daily activities.
- Patients often need to follow a strict diet, controlling their intake of fluids, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.
- Regular monitoring and adjustments by healthcare providers are necessary to ensure effective treatment and to manage any complications.
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