Hemodializa

Hemodializa is a medical procedure used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform these functions. This condition is known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease. Hemodializa acts as an artificial kidney, filtering the blood outside the body.

The process typically involves accessing the bloodstream through a vascular access, which can be a surgically created fistula or graft, or a temporary catheter. Blood is then pumped from the body through a dialyzer, a device containing a semipermeable membrane. A special fluid called dialysate flows on the other side of the membrane. Waste products like urea and creatinine, along with excess electrolytes and water, move from the blood into the dialysate, effectively cleansing the blood. The purified blood is then returned to the body.

Hemodializa treatments are usually performed several times a week in a clinic or hospital setting, or sometimes at home with specialized equipment. The duration of each session can vary but often lasts for several hours. While hemodializa can sustain life and improve quality of life for individuals with kidney failure, it is a complex treatment with potential side effects and requires lifelong management. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to manage the condition and optimize the effectiveness of the treatment.