Hemodialysis (HD)

HD is the process of filtering blood through a dialysis machine and removing accumulated toxins and extra water from the body ie When the natural machines of the body- kidneys fails, then artificial machines are used to clean the blood and body.

HD may be requires in few cases of acute renal failure where the dialysis is temporary and patient is taken off hemodialysis once his kidney function improves. In Chronic kidney disease ,the dialysis will be instituted only in advanced stage 5 , where the HD will be life long or till he gets kidney transplant done.

Types of Hemodialysis:

Conventional Hemodialysis ( For CKD patients):

It is ideally carried out 3 times a week or atleat twice weekly. Each session lasts for around 3-4 hours. The blood is drawn out with the help of a tube which is connected to a dialysis catheter. Once the blood is purified, it is pumped back to the patient’s body through another tube.

In ARF/AKI, hemodialysis frequency will vary depending of renal functions and is temporary.

Daily Hemodialysis:

It is recommended for those patients’ who prefers carrying the dialysis at home. It is carried out 5- 6 days a week and each session lasts for 2-4 hours. It goes well with catheters, but is slightly complex with fistulas or grafts. Some prefer to get it at night only when patient is sleeping (Nocturnal hemodialysis)