The kidneys have a vital role in filtering toxins from the blood, but when its function is decreased, dialysis and kidney become an important solution. Hemodialysis helps to replace damaged kidney work by filtering artificial blood. Without this treatment, poisons can accumulate and endanger the body. The process may sound scary, but modern technology makes it safer and more comfortable. Many patients can still move normally after undergoing routine therapy. Come on, understand more about this procedure, who needs it, and how to maintain kidney health before the condition is getting worse.
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What is dialysis and hemodialysis
Dialysis, or hemodialysis, is a medical procedure that replaces kidney function when this organ is not able to work properly. When the kidneys fail to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, hemodialysis uses a special machine to do the task. This process involves pumping blood out of the body, filtering it through a dialyzer (artificial filter), then returns it to the body in a cleaner state.
Hemodialysis is usually needed by patients with final stage kidney failure, either temporarily (before transplant) or long term. According to the National Kidney Foundation, most patients underwent sessions 3-4 hours 3 times a week. There are two common types of blood access: arteriovenosa fistula (AV fistula) And dialysis catheter. The fistula is safer and more durable, but it takes a few weeks to “ripen” before it can be used.
Although hemodialysis is effective in cleaning blood, it is not fully replacing the function of healthy kidney. Patients still need to regulate eating patterns, taking medication, and blood pressure control. Side effects such as muscle cramps or decreased blood pressure can occur, but the medical team will monitor during the process. Want to know more detailed? Check the full guide at the Indonesian Ministry of Health or direct consultation with a nephrology doctor.
In short, hemodialysis is a “artificial kidney” that saves lives, but not a magic medicine. Cooperation between patients, families, and medical personnel key success.
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Hemodialysis procedures for kidney patients
The hemodialysis procedure begins with preparation for blood access, usually in the arm. There are three types of access: Fistula AV (best choice due to low risk of infection), Graft AV (if the blood vessels are too small), or temporary catheter (for emergency conditions). Fistulas need to be formed through small operations 2-6 months before dialysis begins, as explained by the American Kidney Fund.
When the session begins, the nurse will insert two needles into the access – one to drain dirty blood to the dialyzer machine, one returns clean blood to the body. This machine works like an artificial kidney: filtering urea, excess salt, and liquid with a special membrane. The process is monitored tightly through blood pressure and electrolyte levels.
One session is usually 4 hours, but there is also a short daily hemodialysis (2 hours) or at night (6-8 hours) depending on the patient’s condition. During treatment, patients can sleep, read, or watch TV. Effects such as dizziness or nausea may appear, especially if too much liquid is discharged.
When finished, the needle is pulled out and the access is cleaned. Patients are required to maintain cleanliness of blood access and avoid lifting heavy loads with the arm. For complete guidance, check the protocol of the Indonesian Nefrology Association.
What is often asked: “What is the difference between hemodialysis and capd (abdominal dialysis)?” The answer is here. In essence, hemodialysis is more intensive but carried out in the clinic, while CAPD can be done independently at home.
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The benefits of dialysis for kidney health
Dialysis is not just a routine procedure – this is Savior life For patients with kidney failure. The main benefit? Replacing 10-15% of kidney function that is still working, enough to prevent the buildup of deadly poisons such as urea and creatinine. Data from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases shows that regular hemodialysis can reduce the risk of death by 50% in chronic kidney patients.
Concrete benefits:
- Clean the blood from metabolic waste that makes it weak and nauseous
- Control body fluidsreduce swelling in the legs or shortness of breath due to excess water
- Balance electrolytes like potassium that can cause a heart attack if it is too high
- Stabilize blood pressure by removing excess salt
Patients often say they can sleep more soundly and appetite improves after dialysis routine. But remember – this is not a magic medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, hemodialysis must be accompanied by a low potassium-phosphorus diet and take medicine according to the prescription.
The bonus: This procedure gives patients to wait for kidney transplants. In Indonesia, the transplant waiting list can be 5-10 years-hemodialysis becomes a “bridge” so that patients remain productive while waiting.
Important Note: Maximum benefits are only achieved if done regularly and disciplined. Skip session? The risk of complications such as hypercalemia or pulmonary edema is directly lurking.
Differences in dialysis and kidney transplants
Dialysis and kidney transplants are both the solution to kidney failure, but the way it works is very different. Hemodialysis temporary artificial kidney—The engine relies on the engine 3-4 times a week to filter blood. While transplantation is replacement of permanent organs With a healthy donor kidney, as explained by the American Society of Nephrology.
Main Difference:
- Effect duration: Dialysis must be repeated for life (except for transplantation), while transplants can last 10-15 years with the right treatment
- Quality of life: Transplant patients do not need a strict schedule of dialysis and more flexible diet (here)
- Risk: Hemodialysis at risk of blood access infections and blood pressure drops, transplants need immunosuppressant drugs for life to prevent organs rejection
But the transplant is not unconditional. According to the Indonesian Nefrology Association, only patients with stable conditions can be candidates – including cancer -free and active infection. The cost is also much more expensive, but the results are more optimal if successful.
Interesting Facts: 1 healthy kidney alone is enough to filter blood normally. That’s why donors live (for example from family) can still live normally after donating 1 kidney.
The choice depends on the condition: dialysis for patients who have not been able to donor or do not match large surgery. Transplant for those who want to be free from machines – but ready to face the risk of organs and side effects of immunosuppressant drugs.
Tips for maintaining kidney health before dialysis
If the kidney function begins to decrease but does not need dialysis, there are several ways to slow down damage. The key: control the main cause– 70% of cases of kidney failure in Indonesia were triggered by diabetes and hypertension, according to data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.
Concrete steps that can be done:
- Monitor blood pressure Every day – targets under 130/80 mmHg. Use the recording application as recommended by the American Heart Association
- Low Diet Salt & Protein: Limit the consumption of red meat and canned food. Replace with fish or egg white
- Stop cigarettes and alcohol– Both accelerate the damage to the kidney blood vessels
- Light exercise 30 minutes/day (fast walk or swimming) for blood sugar control
- Check routine creatinine—Asi above 1.2 mg/dl in women or 1.4 mg/dl in men Kidney signs begin to have problems
Stadium patients 3-4 CKD must avoid pain relievers such as ibuprofen and creatinine supplements. National Kidney Foundation has a complete list of safe drugs.
Special tip: Drink enough water (1.5-2l/day), but reduce if there is swelling. Record weight every morning – fear 1kg/day a sign of a buildup of harmful fluids.
Remember, 1 damaged kidney cannot be repaired. But with discipline, we can slowly the rate of damage and postpone the need for dialysis for years.
Hemodialysis Costs and Facilities in Indonesia
Hemodialysis costs in Indonesia vary depending on the facilities – starting from Rp. 300,000/session at an ordinary clinic up to Rp 2.5 million/session at the Premium Hospital. But BPJS patients can be free with the following conditions:
- Already registered as a recipient of contribution assistance (PBI)
- Has a diagnosis of chronic kidney failure from a specialist doctor
- Referral from the first health facility (Source of BPJS Health)
Public facilities in the dialysis unit:
- Hemodialysis machine the latest generation with blood pressure monitor and urea levels
- Special chair which can be lay down for unstable patients
- Doctor Watch 24 Hours In the hospital, but in the clinic there are usually only nurses + doctor’s visit schedule
vital Records:
- Non-BPJS patients can save money with monthly packages (usually 20-30%discount)
- Some hospitals such as RSCM have a cross subsidy program
- Additional costs often appear for erythropoietin drugs (overcome anemia) or special blood access
Cheap alternatives:
- Teaching hospital (for example: university hospital) usually lower rates
- Home hemodialysis services (rare in Indonesia) can reduce transportation costs
The Ministry of Health data shows that only 30% of dialysis needs in Indonesia are met. Therefore, it is very important early detection of kidney disease before reaching the final stage.
The role of nurses in the hemodialysis process
Hemodialysis nurses are Guardian Angel For dialysis patients. His job is far more complex just installing a needle – starting from monitoring vital signs to a mental counselor. American Nephrology Nurses Association Standards mention 3 key roles:
1. Technical medical
- Ensure optimal blood access (fistula/catheter)
- Regulates the speed of blood pumps and anticoagulant drug dosage
- Response to handle emergency complications such as hypotension or cramps
2. Patient education
- Teach how to care for blood access at home (“Don’t Scratch!”)
- Help Adjust the Schedule for Drugs and Low Potassium Diet
- Remind the dangers of spending dialysis sessions
3. Psychological support
Patients are often stressed due to lifetime dependence. The nurse is a place to confide as well as motivators – the part of friends who understand how hard the kidney diet is.
In Indonesia, Wajih hemodialysis nurses have special certification from 
It is not a perfect solution, but still a savior for patients with kidney failure. This procedure gives a second chance to live more quality, although it must be lived routinely. The key is in patient discipline, family support, and competent medical team. Remember, preventing always better – keeping kidney health early on with blood pressure and sugar control. For those who have undergone hemodialysis, obey the schedule and diet to avoid complications. Technology continues to develop, but the kidneys remain fully replaced organs.
