Regular dialysis sessions that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are failing, in a monitored dialysis unit.
Overview
Haemodialysis is a treatment that does the work of failing kidneys. Blood is passed through a machine with a special filter (dialyser) that removes waste products, excess salt and fluid, and is then returned to the body.
Our dialysis unit, supervised by nephrologists, provides regular maintenance dialysis for people with chronic kidney failure as well as emergency dialysis for acute kidney injury.
Who needs this treatment?
- Advanced chronic kidney disease (end-stage kidney failure)
- Sudden (acute) kidney failure
- Severe fluid overload, high potassium or other dangerous chemical imbalances
- Certain poisonings and drug overdoses
Benefits
- Removes toxins and excess fluid, relieving breathlessness, swelling and nausea
- Keeps blood chemistry in a safer range
- Helps people with kidney failure live active lives
How it is done
Before the procedure
Dialysis needs access to the bloodstream: an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the arm for long-term dialysis, or a dialysis catheter in a large vein for urgent or temporary dialysis.
During the procedure
Two needles or the catheter connect you to the dialysis machine. Each session usually lasts about four hours and is typically done two or three times a week. You can rest, read or watch while the nurses monitor you.
After the procedure
Your weight and blood pressure are checked and you can usually go home the same day.
Recovery and aftercare
Some tiredness after a session is common.
- Follow the fluid and diet advice (salt, potassium, phosphorus) given by your doctor and dietitian
- Do not miss sessions
- Protect your fistula arm: no blood pressure cuffs, injections or tight bands on it
- Take your medicines, including those for anaemia and bone health, as prescribed
Frequently asked questions
In acute kidney injury, kidney function may recover and dialysis can be stopped. In end-stage kidney disease, dialysis is needed long-term unless a kidney transplant is done.
Needle insertion causes brief discomfort. The dialysis itself is not painful, though some people feel cramps or tiredness.
This page gives general information. Whether a treatment is right for you, and what it involves, depends on your condition; your doctor will explain the options after examining you.