- What is it for
- How it works
- Life expectancy
- Is hemodialysis done for life?
- Complications of hemodialysis
- How is the life of the patient undergoing hemodialysis
- Who does hemodialysis need to take medicine?
- Peritoneal dialysis to filter blood at home
Hemodialysis is a treatment that allows blood to be filtered, eliminating excess toxins, minerals and fluids in people who have severe renal failure.
This treatment is indicated by the nephrologist, after assessing the severity of the kidney disease, observation of the exams and the symptoms that appear. The hemodialysis machine can replace much of the function of the kidneys, so it is possible for the person to live for many years and be independent even if the kidneys do not function properly.
Hemodialysis can be performed in the hospital, in hemodialysis clinics and in some cases at home, and the number of times hemodialysis should be performed depends on the severity of renal failure. Thus, a person who has complete kidney failure generally needs about 2 to 4 sessions per week and each session lasts an average of 4 hours.
In addition to hemodialysis, there is peritoneal dialysis, a method that uses the peritoneum, a membrane located inside the abdomen, as a filter and can be performed at home. Learn more about this technique at the end of the article.
What is it for
Hemodialysis is done with the objective of filtering the blood, eliminating toxic substances, such as urea, and excess mineral salts, such as sodium and potassium, and filtering excess water from the body.
It can be indicated both in cases of acute renal failure, in which there is a sudden failure of the kidneys temporarily, or also in cases of chronic renal failure, in which the kidney functions need to be permanently replaced. Understand what kidney failure is, the symptoms and causes.
An untreated kidney failure can cause signs and symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, swelling in the body, reduced urine production, vomiting, drowsiness, tremors, convulsions, coma and even death, so it is very important that when if you suspect this disease, seek the help of a nephrologist.
How it works
Hemodialysis is done using a device called a dialyzer, through which the blood circulates and passes through a filter, which will eliminate only what is necessary, since it is composed of a membrane specifically prepared for the procedure.
The blood that will be filtered out comes through a catheter, inserted into the blood vessels. After filtration, clean blood, without toxins and with less fluids, returns to the bloodstream through another catheter.
In people who need hemodialysis frequently, it is possible to have a small surgery, which joins a vein to an artery, forming an arteriovenous fistula, which becomes a vessel with a high blood flow and high resistance to repeated punctures, facilitating the procedure.
When it is urgent to perform hemodialysis and surgery to place the fistula has not yet been scheduled at the hospital, a catheter is placed in a large vein in the neck, chest or groin, which is then removed.
Life expectancy
The person who needs to undergo hemodialysis can live many years and have an independent life, because the hemodialysis machine filters the blood rid of all the toxins that could lead to death. However, it is necessary to perform this procedure very regularly.
Is hemodialysis done for life?
In cases where there is chronic kidney failure, where the kidneys are no longer functioning properly, kidney replacement treatment should be continued for life, or until a kidney transplant is performed.
However, there are cases of acute renal failure, in which the kidneys suddenly and temporarily lose their functions, as in the case of a serious infection, drug intoxication or a cardiac complication, for example, in which only 1 or some dialysis sessions, until the kidneys return to normal functioning.
Complications of hemodialysis
In most hemodialysis sessions, the patient will not experience any discomfort, especially nowadays when the devices are increasingly modern and safe. However, sometimes complications can arise such as:
- Headache; Cramps; Drop in blood pressure; Allergic reactions; Vomiting; Chills; Imbalance of blood electrolytes; Seizures;
For these reasons, hemodialysis is always performed in the presence of a doctor and a nursing team.
In addition, there may be a loss of the fistula, in which blood flow is obstructed. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to take some precautions such as not checking the pressure, not drawing blood or applying medication to the arm with the fistula.
If bruises appear on the spot, it is advisable to make ice packs on the day and warm packs on the following days. In addition, if it is noticed that the flow in the fistula is reduced, it is necessary to contact the doctor or nurse that accompanies it, as it is a sign of malfunction.
How is the life of the patient undergoing hemodialysis
If the patient is well monitored and treated, the patient undergoing hemodialysis can work, play sports, travel and have an independent and productive life, but on the day of treatment it is possible that the patient feels more tired and needs to rest for a longer time.
In the case of travel, it is essential to contact a clinic or hospital at the place of travel to maintain the treatment.
Who does hemodialysis need to take medicine?
Hemodialysis does not completely replace kidney function and, in addition, some vitamins are lost during dialysis. Therefore, the nephrologist may recommend treatment with replacement of:
- Calcium; Vitamin D; Iron; Erythropoietin, which is a namesake that stimulates the production of red blood cells to prevent anemia; Antihypertensives to help control blood pressure.
In addition, it is necessary that the person be careful with their food, controlling the consumption of fluids, salts and correctly choosing the types of food consumed on a daily basis, since hemodialysis has a scheduled date and time.
Therefore, it is also recommended to follow up with a nutritionist. Check out some tips on the recommended diet for those on hemodialysis.
Peritoneal dialysis to filter blood at home
Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment that performs blood filtration differently, using the peritoneum as the filter, which is a membrane that already exists inside the abdomen and that lines some organs.
This type of dialysis can be done at home, autonomously, without going to the hospital several times a week. However, to perform this dialysis technique, it is necessary to teach the patient how to do the treatment safely.
Before beginning the Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) sessions, the surgeon must insert a catheter in the abdomen through which a liquid is introduced that must remain for about 4 to 8 hours inside the organism, being removed and replaced by another 3 a 5 times a day.
In addition, there is Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (DPA), in which patients can perform peritoneal dialysis through a machine, known as a cycler, during the night for about 10 hours.
The type of dialysis is determined by the patient and the doctor, according to the needs, adaptability and routine of each person. A complication of peritoneal dialysis is fluid contamination and abdominal infection, which can be avoided by following the rules of hygiene and cleaning of hands and material used correctly.
