Hemodialysis is a type of treatment that aims to promote blood leakage when the kidneys do not function properly, favoring the elimination of excess toxins, minerals and liquids.
This treatment should be indicated by the nephrologist and is usually performed in people with renal impairment, which must be performed in a hospital or in hemodialysis clinics. The time and frequency of dialysis sessions may vary depending on the severity of kidney failure, and 4-hour sessions may be indicated 3 to 4 times per week.
- Hemodialysis is performed on the advice of the nephrologist and aims to filter the blood.
- Remove toxic substances.
- Such as urea.
- And excess mineral salts.
- Such as sodium and potassium.
- And filter excess water from the body.
This treatment may be indicated in cases of acute renal failure, where sudden renal failure occurs on a temporary basis, or also in cases of chronic renal failure, where kidney functions should be permanently replaced. Understand what kidney failure is and how to identify symptoms.
Hemodialysis is performed by a device called a dialysis machine, through which blood circulates and passes through a filter whose function is to remove excess substances that may be harmful to the body. This is possible thanks to the presence of a specific membrane that is responsible for the exercise of this function.
Blood that will leak passes through a catheter, which is inserted into the blood vessels. After filtration, clean, toxin-free, less fluid-free blood returns to the bloodstream through another catheter.
In people who need hemodialysis frequently, it is possible to undergo a small surgery, which binds a vein to an artery, forming an arteriovenous fistula, which becomes a vessel with high blood flow and high resistance to repeated punctures, facilitating the procedure.
In cases of chronic kidney failure, where the kidneys no longer function properly, hemodialysis can be maintained for life or until a kidney transplant is performed.
However, in cases where there is temporary loss of function, such as acute kidney failure, infections, drug poisoning, or heart complications, fewer hemodialysis sessions may be required until your kidneys return to normal functioning.
Hemodialysis does not completely replace kidney function, and some vitamins are also lost during dialysis. Therefore, your nephrologist may recommend treatment with replacement of calcium, vitamin D, iron, erythropoietin and antihypertensives, which is indicated to help control blood pressure.
In addition, it is necessary for the person to pay attention to his diet, controlling the consumption of liquids, salts and correctly choosing the types of food he consumes daily, because hemodialysis has a scheduled day and time and, therefore, it is important that the person is also accompanied by a nutritionist.
Therefore, it is also recommended to follow up with a nutritionist. See some tips on feeding for hemodialysis.
In most hemodialysis sessions, the patient will not experience any discomfort, but some people may experience some discomfort during hemodialysis, such as:
In addition, there may be a loss of fistula, in which blood flow is blocked. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to take certain precautions such as not controlling pressure, not drawing blood or applying medication to the arm with the fistula.
If bruising appears on site, it is advisable to make ice packs during the day and hot bags the following days. In addition, if the flow in the fistula is reduced, it is necessary to contact the doctor or nurse who accompanies it, as this is a sign of dysfunction.