The kidneys are vital organs that play a role in cleaning the blood, excreting excess body fluids in the form of urine, producing hormones that regulate blood pressure, red blood cells, vitamin D, and regulating electrolytes. However, sometimes the kidneys can malfunction, which requires treatment. One treatment to improve kidney function is dialysis or hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis is a procedure for cleaning or filtering the blood from dangerous metabolic waste, excess salt and fluid using a device outside the body (hemodialyzer). This waste must be removed from the body because if left untreated it will accumulate and cause organ dysfunction and even death. Apart from that, hemodialysis also functions to balance important minerals and control blood pressure.

Hemodialysis is a replacement procedure to replace damaged kidney function, both in cases of acute and chronic kidney failure. Intended for those with a decrease in kidney function of less than 15% or if someone has severe symptoms caused by kidney disease, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting.

The hemodialysis process involves removing "dirty" blood from the body using a needle inserted into a blood vessel, then flowing using a tube into a dialyzer to be filtered. Once "clean," the blood is returned to the body through other blood vessels.

Several factors determine the frequency of hemodialysis, including the level of kidney damage, body weight, the amount of fluid received between hemodialysis sessions, levels of toxins in the body, and the type of hemodialysis equipment used. Generally, hemodialysis is performed 2-3 times per week with a duration of around 4-5 hours.

Even though it is safe, there are several side effects that can occur during hemodialysis, such as hypotension, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

In cases of chronic kidney failure, hemodialysis does not function to cure kidney failure, but rather to improve the quality of life so it must be done for life. Meanwhile, in cases of acute kidney failure, hemodialysis is carried out temporarily, until kidney function improves.

Keywords:
Kidneys, Dialysis, Hemodialysis, Kidney Function, Kidney Failure, Kidney Treatment, Symptoms of Kidney Failure, Side Effects of Hemodialysis, Kidney Health, Kidney Therapy

Author: dr. Odilia Lustriana (PRAMITA Medical Services Doctor, M. Toha Lab Branch, Bandung)