What is haemodialysis?
Haemodialysis is one of the treatment options if your kidneys no longer remove waste and fluid from the body.
To undertake haemodialysis, an access is created within the blood vessels. One option is to have surgery to create a fistula or synthetic graft in either the arm or leg. Another option to access blood vessels is to place a tube in a large vein in the neck or chest. This tube is called a permacath. We have a specialist Vascular Access Nurse who will meet with patients to discuss haemodialysis access options.
During haemodialysis excess waste and fluid is removed by the machine and a filter. Patients are connected to the machine using either a fistula, graft or permacath. Blood will flow from the body into the dialysis machine and then cleaned by a filter. The clean blood is then returned to the body.
More information is available through Kidney Health Australia: Dialysis key facts.
How long will each haemodialysis treatment last?
Blood will circulate through a machine, for 4-5 hours, at least 3 times a week. Patients will either have a morning or afternoon session.
Where can I have haemodialysis?
Haemodialysis can be done at home
Some patients may be suitable to undergo haemodialysis at home. To learn more about home haemodialysis patients can talk to their kidney doctor.
Haemodialysis can be done in hospital
Centre-based haemodialysis usually takes place in a hospital or ‘satellite’ dialysis unit. We have dialysis units at Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Milton-Ulladulla hospitals. Patients will need to arrange transport to and from the dialysis unit. If patients need help with transport, they can talk to our healthcare team.
What should patients bring to haemodialysis?
- Blanket
- Warm clothes
- If patients have a fistula or graft in the arm, make sure shirt sleeves are loose enough to roll up
- If patients have a permacath in the chest, they should wear a shirt that opens at the front
- A current list of medications
- Patients should bring something to do, such as a book, magazine or iPad/tablet with headphones
- We provide sandwiches but patients may choose to bring your own food.