Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter fluids and waste from the body. The kidneys are located in the abdomen on either side of the spine and they filter out waste from your blood and make urine.
There are several treatments for kidney failure and treatment depends on the type of kidney failure.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a treatment that replaces your kidney functions when they stop functioning. Hemodialysis is done at a dialysis facility where your blood is put through a filter outside your body, cleaned, and then returned to your system.
You will have a blood vessel called an arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) created in your arm which connects an artery to a vein. The tissue and skin surrounding the fistula is allowed to heal for several weeks before hemodialysis can start.
You will sit or lie on a couch, recliner or bed. Two thin needles will be inserted into your AV fistula and taped into place. One needle will slowly remove blood and transfer it to the dialysis machine that has a liquid called a dialysate that will contain waste products from your blood. The used dialysate fluid is then pumped out of the dialysis machine and the filtered blood is passed back into your body through the second needle.
You may feel dizziness and muscle cramps during dialysis caused by the rapid changes in blood fluid levels that occur during the treatment.
The needles are removed and a plaster is applied to your arm to prevent bleeding. You will be able to leave the dialysis facility and go home. Should you feel unwell after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately or call our 24-HR Medical Urgency Clinic (65) 6705 2999.
