Why is this procedure done?
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the back of your belly, just above your waist. They filter your blood. This is to get rid of waste products and extra fluid from your body. The waste is turned into urine. Sometimes, your kidneys do not work well. Then, you may need a procedure to replace the work of your kidneys. ‚
Hemodialysis filters your blood and takes out harmful substances. It takes over the work of your kidney. It removes extra water, wastes, and chemicals from your body. This type of dialysis uses a machine. Your blood is pumped into a filtering set-up to clean it. This is also called a dialyzer to clean your blood. ‚
Before you start hemodialysis treatments, your doctor needs to have a way to be able to connect the machine to your blood vessels. This is called a vascular access or an access site. There are other ways to connect the machine to your body like: ‚
- Connecting a vein and artery to make a fistula. This is done in surgery and is most often in your lower arm. It lasts longer than other methods.
- Using a small tube under the skin in your arm to connect a vein and artery. This is a graft and also needs surgery. It is more likely to have clots and infections.
- Putting a large thin tube in a big vein in the neck or groin. This is done in surgery. It is only used in emergencies or for a short time.
Each dialysis treatment will be set just for you. The treatment will depend on: ‚
- If your kidney problems are likely to get better after a short time
- How much extra fluid you have. This is the weight you gain between treatments.
- How much waste you have in your body
- Your weight
- The type of hemodialysis used
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
Wastes and extra fluid will be removed from your body. This will help keep your blood pressure and minerals in your body normal. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
What happens during the procedure?
- The hemodialysis is most often done in a dialysis center or the hospital. You will sit in a large comfortable chair or lie on a bed. You will be awake during the treatment. Some people are able to do dialysis at home. You may need help from some other person to do dialysis at home.
- Two needles are used to connect you to the dialysis machine. One of the needles is used for blood to flow out of your body into the machine. The other is used for the filtered blood to flow back into your body.
- The staff will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing during this treatment.
- The treatment takes between 2 to 4 hours. When it is finished, the needles are taken out. A clean dressing is put over the access site.
What happens after the procedure?
- If you are not a patient staying in the hospital, you may go home after the procedure.
- Put pressure over the area if there is a small amount of bleeding where the needles were put in.
- Based on your health, your next treatment may be in 2 to 3 days.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Take extra care in crowds where your access site may get bumped.
- Eat foods rich in calories and protein.
- Stay away from food high in water, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium or salt.
- Talk to your dietician about other food choices If you are diabetic.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Control your blood pressure
- Protect your bones and blood
- Remove excess fluid from your body
- Keep you from having hard stools
- Help your body make more blood cells
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Itching
- Low red blood cells
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Poor tolerance of dialysis. This may get better as you get used to it.
Helpful tips
- Wear loose clothing that will not rub on your access site.
- Wear an arm guard or protective clothing when doing sports if your access site is on your arm.
- When traveling, choose a place with a dialysis center near in case of emergency.
- Choose a water bottle with markings to measure the amount you are drinking.
- Join a support group to help you cope with your condition.
Where can I learn more?
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/vascularaccess/index.aspx ‚
National Kidney Foundation ‚
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dialysisinfo.cfm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚