What is Hemodialysis?

Due to the inability of the kidneys to perform their functions, substances such as urea, creatinine, phosphorus and potassium increase in blood levels. While these substances, which are harmful to the body, are normally excreted through urine, in patients with chronic kidney failure, this process is done with the help of a dialysis machine through the hemodialysis method. Hemodialysis is the process in which the patient's dirty blood is cleaned by taking it into the dialysis machine and then the blood is given back to the patient. The blood taken from the patient using a fistula, graft or catheter is passed through capillary filters called dialyzers inside the dialysis machine. Toxic substances that need to be removed from the body are mixed with the dialysis fluid, or in other words, dialysate, located on the outside of the filters and are thus removed from the blood. After the filtering process, the blood is balanced in terms of liquid and solute content and is given to the patient intravenously. How many sessions of hemodialysis should be performed per week, the duration of the session, the dialyzer and dialysate used during dialysis are determined by the physician according to the physiological needs of the patient.

Who Can Get Hemodialysis and What Are Its Symptoms?

In patients who develop chronic renal failure due to different reasons, the number of nephrons, the smallest functional unit of the kidney, decreases irreversibly. Due to the kidneys not functioning properly, the body's water, electrolyte and pH balance is disrupted. This life-threatening situation is regulated by the hemodialysis method.

Therefore, hemodialysis is a widely applied method to meet the needs of chronic kidney patients waiting to be treated with kidney transplantation. Hemodialysis can also be applied in cases of acute renal failure, where the kidneys cannot fulfill their function temporarily. People with chronic kidney failure need to have regular medical check-ups. Thus, it can be easily determined how often and for how long the patient should have hemodialysis. It is also determined what type of dialyzer the patient needs and at what speed the blood and dialysate should circulate in the dialyzer during treatment. Chronic kidney failure patients must report these symptoms to the physician if they show the following symptoms: Swelling in the legs Low or high pulse Loss or impairment of consciousness Fatigue and weakness Shortness of breath Nausea Hiccup Loss of appetite or weight Sleep disorders

How does the hemodialysis process proceed?

In the hemodialysis process, dialysis machines made for this purpose are used. Water cleaned by special systems in the dialysis center comes to the machines. The density of minerals in the dialysis water is arranged in such a way that the waste materials accumulated in the patient are removed and the missing minerals are transferred to the patient. The blood taken from the patient circulates in the dialysis machine through the pump. Dialysis membranes are used to provide exchange between blood and dialysis. These membranes are made in the form of a system of hollow tubes, through which blood and dialysis water pass in opposite directions. The blood cleaned in this way is given back to the patient. 

What are the Benefits of Hemodialysis?

When the kidneys fail to function, the functions of dialysis include: Removing waste, salt and excess water to prevent them from accumulating in the body. Keeping certain chemicals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate, at a safe level. Helping to control blood pressure. Dialysis is carried out successfully at Yücelen Hospitals and Ortaca Dialysis Center.