Haemodialysis Explained: Understanding the Process and Benefits for Patients

What is Haemodialysis?

Haemodialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluids from the kidneys while maintaining the healthy balance of electrolytes, including potassium and sodium. The treatment is recommended for patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases (CKD) or end-stage renal diseases (ESRD); in such conditions, kidney function drops to less than 10-15% of normal.

Haemodialysis is often provided in hospitals or in free-standing dialysis units, commonly known as satellite units. You may feel fatigue after a dialysis session; however, as haemodialysis is performed three times a week, you can continue with everyday activities.

Procedure for Haemodialysis

A haemodialysis machine mimics the function of a normal kidney, maintains mineral levels, and effectively regulates blood pressure. One study reported that in maintenance haemodialysis sessions, the urea reduction ratio (URR) exceeded 65% in 81% of treatments 1.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the process:

Pre-Dialysis

A healthcare professional will check your vital signs and body weight before the process. The next step is to clean the dialysis access site. Finally, a nurse or dialysis technician will connect you to the haemodialysis machine using needles.

During Dialysis

In this stage, nurses monitor your blood pressure, and you can conduct daily activities such as reading, watching TV, or working on a laptop, depending on your condition. If you experience any cramping or dizziness, it is essential to inform the staff immediately for appropriate intervention.

Post Dialysis

After a dialysis session, nurses remove the needles from the access site and bandage it. In some conditions, you may feel dizzy. In most cases, the condition improves with the number of sessions. It is essential to follow a diet appropriate for kidney care, and in most cases, limiting fluid intake is a common approach healthcare professionals use.

Next, let’s review some common vascular access sites for safe and effective haemodialysis.

Types of Vascular Access for Safe Haemodialysis

Access to your blood forms the base for haemodialysis. Each access type holds a critical role in the process and has its specific purposes and suitability depending on health conditions.
Here are some of the common types:

• AV Fistula: It forms the direct link between a vein and an artery. Moreover, you gain steady access flow and reduce the risk once it matures.
• AV Graft: It uses a soft tube to join the artery and vein, and it is a critical element for steady flow and does not support the fistula.
• Haemodialysis Catheter Insertion: It is essential to start with a treatment procedure for quick access. Patients depend on the catheter until a fistula or graft forms.
• Tunnelled Catheter: Catheter passes under the skin to reduce the external exposure. It is essential to establish a safe access route, which can be achieved using a tunnelled catheter, especially for long-term use.

You gain full value from haemodialysis once you have safe access, and haemodialysis catheter insertion is a key step before you can expect clear benefits.

Diet for Haemodialysis Patients

A diet plan during the haemodialysis phase is essential, as the kidneys cannot clear excess minerals and fluids without support. Moreover, a well-structured diet plan helps maintain heart safety and stable blood for a smooth response to haemodialysis.

• High-potassium foods are restricted to prevent an abrupt rise in blood levels that may stress the heart.
• Fluid intakes remain at a fixed limit to avoid excess deposition in the lungs and heart during a dialysis session.
• It is essential to avoid foods with high phosphorus to protect bone health and maintain a stable calcium-phosphorus balance.
• High-quality protein sources are a critical part of the diet, essential for supporting tissue repair and maintaining overall strength.
• Doctors recommend a low-salt diet to help maintain blood pressure within a controlled range.

Here are some of the benefits of haemodialysis you should know if you have severe kidney disease.

Benefits of Haemodialysis

Haemodialysis is an effective treatment for sudden cases of acute kidney injury (AKI), and it is only needed for a short duration. One long-term study suggests that patients with a URR above 70% have a lower hazard ratio ².

Here are some of the benefits of haemodialysis:

• It removes accumulated toxins, such as urea and creatinine, that the failing kidneys cannot clear. It helps reduce the direct biochemical burden on the body and lowers the risk of uremic symptoms.
• It helps control fluid overload by removing excess water during each session. Such a condition alleviates strain on the heart and lungs and decreases the risk of fluid-related complications.
• It supports electrolyte balance by correcting dangerous levels of potassium, sodium, and phosphate that build up in kidney failure. Additionally, it protects you from life-threatening arrhythmias and mineral metabolism disorders.
• It contributes to better blood pressure regulation because excess fluid and altered salt balance are major drivers of hypertension in kidney disease.
• It supports long-term survival as a kidney replacement method in ESRD, mirroring the haemodialysis meaning as a core direct waste-removal process.

Now, let’s explore some of the common side effects for patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Side Effects of Haemodialysis

Haemodialysis has side effects and is relatively uncommon in most cases. Moreover, it is difficult to tell whether a symptom is due to treatment or discomfort from kidney failure.

Some common side effects patients report include:

• Blockage or any form of resistance at your vascular access site, the entry point to your body.
• Muscle cramps and hypotension are also common haemodialysis complications.
• Weakness, dizziness, or nausea among patients.

Also read: How to Manage Chronic Kidney Disease: A Guide from Kidney Specialists.

Why Choose Eskag Sanjeevani Dialysis?

Eskag Sanjeevani Dialysis stands out for strict centre hygiene, trained staff, and steady session quality across units. You receive consistent care, with clear checks before and after each session to keep you safe.

Each nephrology unit also offers timely support for access to care, medication needs, and queries. Many units provide free dialysis, and you can use a free dialysis centre near me to check your nearest unit and determine your eligibility.