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Haemodialysis
Category: Kidney & Dialysis Procedures · All kidney & dialysis procedures
What it is
Haemodialysis is a treatment that cleans the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so adequately. Blood flows from the body through a filter (dialyser) on a machine, where waste and excess fluid are removed, and returns cleaned. Most people have sessions of about four hours, three times a week.
Why it is done
It is a treatment for kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), and sometimes temporarily for acute kidney injury, severe fluid overload, or certain poisonings, while recovery is awaited.
How to prepare
Starting dialysis involves creating access: usually an arteriovenous fistula made by surgery weeks ahead, a graft, or a line (catheter) for immediate use. You will have regular blood tests, vaccinations, dietitian advice about fluid, potassium and phosphate, and medicines reviewed. Bring something to occupy you — sessions are long.
What happens during the procedure
On the unit, you are weighed and have blood pressure checks lying and standing. Needles are placed in the fistula (or the line is connected) and the machine circulates your blood for the prescribed time. Staff monitor you throughout; cramps, headache or a drop in blood pressure can occur and are managed by adjusting the machine.
Afterwards — recovery & results
After the session you are re-weighed and needle sites are pressed until bleeding stops. Many people feel washed out ('post-dialysis fatigue') for some hours. You will follow fluid and diet guidance between sessions; sudden large weight gains from fluid make sessions harder on the heart.
Risks & considerations
Risks include infection of the access (lines carry the highest risk), clotting or narrowing of the fistula, low blood pressure during treatment, and long-term strain on the heart and bones from kidney failure itself. Careful access care and hygiene reduce infection risk; you will be taught to check your fistula's buzz (thrill) daily.
Watch: Haemodialysis videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Will dialysis cure my kidneys?
No — it replaces part of kidney function, not the kidneys themselves. In acute kidney injury it can support you while kidneys recover; in kidney failure it is long-term unless a transplant becomes possible.
Does it hurt?
The needles sting briefly. Most discomfort during sessions comes from cramps or blood pressure dips, which staff can treat. Many people read, watch films or sleep through sessions.
Related procedures — Kidney & Dialysis Procedures
Browse the H section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.