Your kidneys filter blood when they’re working properly. They also produce hormones that maintain your bones and blood health. When your kidneys fail, you need to take medicines that do the kidney’s job. Dialysis is a treatment that is required unless you can get a kidney transplant.

Dialysis is divided into two categories. Both filters remove toxins, excess salt, and water from your bloodstream.

Hemodialysis is performed with the help of a machine. It is also known as an artificial kidney. You need to visit a specialised clinic for therapy several times a week.

Peritoneal dialysis helps the peritoneal membrane filter your blood.

What is Hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is a procedure that filters wastes and water from your blood and restores electrolyte balance like your kidneys did when you were healthy. Hemodialysis lowers blood pressure and balances essential minerals in the blood, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium.

When kidney function falls below 10 to 15%, the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood and produce urine. This results in a build-up of toxins and extra fluid. Fortunately, we live in an age where therapies and drugs exist to replace the kidneys’ activities and keep the body alive. 

How Does Hemodialysis Work?

Hemodialysis is a blood-cleaning treatment that involves using a dialysis machine and a filter known as an artificial kidney or dialyzer. Hemodialysis relies on the dialyzer to function. The artificial kidney is so named because it filters blood, something the kidneys used to do. A dialyzer is a hollow plastic tube with many microscopic filters that is roughly a foot long and three inches in diameter. It is divided into a dialysate part and a blood section.

A partially permeable barrier separates the two parts, preventing them from mixing. Only some chemicals can pass through a semipermeable barrier due to minuscule pores. The membrane is semipermeable, allowing water and waste to flow through but preventing blood cells from passing through.

Dialysate is a solution of clean water, electrolytes, and salts, such as bicarbonate and sodium, also known as dialysis fluid, dialysis solution, or bath. Dialysate is used to remove poisons from the bloodstream. It works through diffusion. The waste concentration in the blood of a hemodialysis patient is high, but the waste concentration in the dialysate is low.

Types of Hemodialysis

• AV (arteriovenous) Fistula: It is the safest method of vascular access. It has a long lifespan and is less prone to infections and blood clots. A surgeon joins an artery and a vein under the skin of your arm. AV fistulas are usually performed on the non-dominant arm. For example, if you’re right-handed, your fistula would most likely be in your left arm.
• AV Graft: It is the optimum choice for vascular access. It is more prone to infections and blood clots. A plastic tube is inserted beneath the skin of your arm to link an artery and vein. It’s ideal to get an AV graft two to three weeks before starting dialysis.
• Catheter: It is a plastic tube with a Y-shaped opening. Infection, blood clots, and scarring are more common among catheter users. A big vein further inside your body is connected to one end of the catheter.

Advantages of Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is an effective therapy for people with end-stage renal failure. However, it will not be enough to cure renal failure.

A diet, hydration limits and drugs are required to replace other activities of the kidneys, such as controlling blood pressure and encouraging the creation of red blood cells to avoid anaemia.

Here are some advantages of hemodialysis:

• It is faster than peritoneal dialysis.
• It is associated with a minimal risk of infection.
• Dialysis necessitates fewer surgical procedures.
• Hemodialysis problems are less likely when AV fistulas are used for endovascular.
• AV fistulas for hemodialysis can endure for many years, far longer than transplanted kidneys, peritoneal dialysis catheters, and other kinds of vascular access, and they seldom require extra surgical treatment.

Disadvantages of Hemodialysis

• Strict adherence to the hemodialysis regimen is required.
• Travel is more complicated and time-consuming, necessitating advanced planning and preparation.
• Restrictions on diet and hydration intake must be rigorously followed.
• To the patient, a fistula might appear unattractive and unsightly.
• Shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and nausea are some potential adverse effects.

Conclusion

You will either require a kidney transplant or have to begin hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatments if your kidney function begins to deteriorate. Hemodialysis removes pollutants from your blood when your kidneys are no longer capable of doing so. This procedure is frequently used to treat advanced renal failure, allowing patients with failing kidneys to maintain an active lifestyle.