HAEMODIALYSIS

Before we go in depth about hemodialysis, let we first explain to you what it is actually called dialysis. Dialysis is a life- saving treatment which is needed to replace over the kidney function when the kidney is unable to carry out it function anymore. Dialysis uses special machine to filter harmful wastes, salt and excess fluid from the blood. 

There are two types of kidney dialysis; Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis. However, in this part we will only cover about hemodialysis.

 In hemodialysis, blood is filtered using dialyzer and dialysis machine. Before first session, doctor will create vascular access which is creating an entrance to into one of the blood vessels to connect to the dialysis machine.
 Vascular access can be done by:

•       Connecting an artery to a vein to create a larger blood vessel area, called a fistula

picture of graft

•          Joining (grafting) an artery and vein together using a soft plastic tube
•        Inserting a thin plastic tube into a large vein in the neck or groin area of the leg; this type of access is temporary. 

Access can be temporary or permanent dependent on individual condition. It is recommended to create the access weeks or months before using it so that it has enough time to heal properly.

HOW HEMODIALYSIS WORK??

Blood from the body (contains toxins and excess water) is pumped through a dialyser. then, a blood thinner called heparin is introduced into the blood to avoid clotting. The blood then passed into the dialysis fluid where it is filtered to remove the waste and excess water. The cleansed blood is then returned to the body while the waste is pumped away out of the dialyser

•  Patients have to attend the renal unit regularly 3 times a week, every week for haemodialysis.
•  It takes 3 to 5 hours each visit depends on how much toxic waste the individual patient makes. The bigger the patient, the more amount of toxic waste to be removed.

POTENTIAL PROBLEM THAT MAY ARISE DURING HEMODIALYSIS

•          Low blood pressure
•      Blood pressure fall due to rapid removing of fluid and salt. This can cause feelings of light- headed, sweaty and sick.

•   Nausea
• Occurs due to changes in blood in blood pressure during and after treatment

•    Cramp
•  Leg cramp may occur due to rapid removal of fluid during dialysis

•    Headache
•  Occasionally occurs at the end of dialysis due to changes in fluid and waste product level in the body