Haemodialysis (HD) is the most common method used to treat end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been available since the 1960s. Despite some advances in dialysis machines in recent years, haemodialysis is still a complicated and inconvenient therapy. It requires a coordinated effort from your whole healthcare team, including your GP, nephrologist (kidney doctor), dialysis nurse, dialysis technician, dietitian, social worker - and you. By learning about your treatment, you can work with them, to give yourself the best possible results - and you can lead a full, active life.
What healthy kidneys do
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid (and salt) and wastes. They also make hormones, including Vitamin D (which keeps your bones strong), and erythropoietin that keeps your blood healthy. When your kidneys fail, harmful wastes build up in your body, your blood pressure may rise, and your body may retain excess fluid, leading to ankle swelling and shortness of breath (water in the lungs). When this happens, you need treatment to replace the work of your failed kidneys.
What haemodialysis does
In haemodialysis your blood is allowed to flow, a few millilitres at a time , through a special filter (the 'dialyser' or artificial kidney') that removes wastes and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to your body. This also helps to control your blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals - like acid, potassium and sodium - in your body.
Most patients have dialysis three times a week for 3-5 hours. You will be given a morning, afternoon or evening 'slot', depending on availability and capacity at the dialysis unit.
Vascular 'access' (to the bloodstream)
Arteriovenous fistula. One important step before starting haemodialysis is preparing a vascular access, a site on your body from which your blood is removed and returned. A fistula is the most common type. This should be prepared at least eight weeks before you start dialysis by means of a small operation in which one of the arteries in the arm is re-routed to join a vein, increasing its blood flow. Some patients with fragile veins use other forms of access, such as plastic grafts and dialysis catheters ('lines').
Find out more about haemodialysis access with an arteriovenous fistula
Needles are inserted into the fistula at the start of HD. Many people find this to be one of the hardest parts of HD, although most report getting used to them after a few sessions. If this is painful, an anaesthetic cream or spray can be applied to the skin.
Home haemodialysis
Home HD is when your dialysis treatment takes place in your own home. You can carry out the dialysis yourself or with the support of a family member or friend who has been trained to help you.
Find out more about how home haemodialysis works so you can decide if it is the right option for you on our Home haemodialysis page
There's no place like home
We also have a booklet about Home Haemodialysis:
'There's no place like home - an introduction to home haemodialysis'.
Or, if you'd like a hard copy please contact us.
Shared Haemodialysis Care
We also have a leaflet on Shared Haemodialysis Care - this leaflet explains how you can get more involved in your own haemodialysis care and the benefits this may bring to you.
Adjusting to change
Adjusting to the effects of ESRD and the time you spend on dialysis can be difficult. Aside from the 'lost time' (it can take eight hours out of your day), you may have less energy. You may need to make changes in your work or home life. Many patients feel depressed when starting dialysis, or after several months of treatment. Talk with your social worker, nurse or doctor because this is a common problem that can often be treated effectively.
Fistulas
Find out more about what a fistula is, how it is made and how to take care of it, as well as the benefits and possible risks.
Tests to check that your HD is working
Once a month, your nurses will do blood tests, before and after HD to see whether your treatments are removing enough wastes. The blood urea level should fall by at least two thirds after an HD session. Ask to see your blood results: it's your health. The best test of the HD is how you feel.
Removing your temporary haemodialysis catheter
If you are receiving haemodialysis for chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may have had a catheter or line put into the large veins in your groin or neck. This will have helped your healthcare team access your veins for dialysis. The catheter is intended for short-term use – usually 1-4 weeks. It is also known as a vascath, in comparison with long-term tunnelled catheters or permacaths which can stay in place for up to a year.
Find out more about what happens when your temporary haemodialysis catheter is removed
Haemodialysis: download or order Kidney Care UK's information leaflet
You can download our Haemodialysis leaflet for free.
You can also order a printed copy of Kidney Care UK’s Haemodialysis leaflet to be sent to you in the post.