Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that filters waste products, salts and excess fluid from the blood using a machine and a special filter (dialyzer). Blood is drawn through a vascular access, cleaned, and returned to the body, usually in sessions of about four hours three times a week in a dialysis unit.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
When the kidneys fail, waste products, salts and fluid build up in the blood to harmful levels. Hemodialysis removes them artificially: blood is drawn from the body a little at a time, passed through a dialyzer that acts as an artificial kidney, and returned cleaned. Most people need treatment about three times a week, with each session lasting around four hours, though the exact schedule is set by the nephrologist for the individual.
Reliable access to the bloodstream is essential. This is most often an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, created by joining an artery and a vein in the arm in a minor procedure and allowed to mature over several weeks; where a fistula is not suitable, a graft or a catheter may be used instead. During each session the nephrology and dialysis team monitor blood pressure, fluid removal and how you tolerate treatment, and adjust the plan alongside dietary, fluid and medication guidance between sessions.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges the assessment, a clear treatment plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, and can schedule regular sessions around your stay so treatment continues without interruption. Nephrologists can review your reports and recent bloodwork remotely beforehand, so your needs are understood before you arrive.
Who is a candidate?
- People with kidney failure whose kidneys can no longer clean the blood adequately
- Patients who need dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant
- Those for whom transplant is not suitable and who need long-term dialysis
- People with a sudden, severe drop in kidney function needing temporary support
- Patients choosing between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with their nephrologist
- Travelers already on dialysis who need reliable sessions during a stay
What happens
- 1
Assessment
Your nephrologist reviews kidney function, bloodwork and overall health to confirm that dialysis is needed and to help you choose between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- 2
Creating access
A minor procedure creates an AV fistula or graft, or places a catheter, to give reliable access to the bloodstream. A fistula usually needs several weeks to mature before it can be used.
- 3
Dialysis sessions
In the unit, blood is circulated through the dialyzer and returned, typically for about four hours three times a week. The team monitors blood pressure and fluid removal throughout each session.
- 4
Ongoing monitoring
Regular blood tests, access checks and reviews of your fluid and diet keep treatment on track, with the plan adjusted over time and remote support available after you return home.
Benefits
- Removes waste products and excess fluid the failing kidneys can no longer clear
- Relieves symptoms of kidney failure and helps maintain overall health
- Delivered on a predictable schedule in a monitored dialysis unit
- Maintains health while awaiting assessment or a kidney transplant
- Supported by dietary, fluid and medication guidance from a dedicated team
Risks & considerations
- Low blood pressure, cramps, nausea or tiredness during or after sessions
- Infection or clotting at the vascular access (fistula, graft or catheter), which is monitored for
- The need to follow fluid and dietary limits between sessions
- Anemia and mineral or bone changes over time, managed with medication and monitoring
- Dialysis maintains but does not cure kidney failure; it continues unless kidney function recovers or you receive a transplant
- Contact your dialysis team promptly if the access site becomes red, swollen, painful, warm or stops its usual thrill/buzz, if you develop a fever, or if you feel very unwell between sessions, as these can signal a problem needing prompt attention
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Nephrology.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Hemodialysis — frequently asked questions
It does part of the work of failing kidneys, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood through a machine so that harmful substances do not build up when your own kidneys can no longer clean the blood.
Most people have hemodialysis about three times a week, with each session lasting roughly four hours in a dialysis unit. Your nephrologist sets the exact schedule based on your kidney function, body size and how you respond to treatment.
A vascular access is the point where blood leaves and returns to your body during dialysis. It is usually an AV fistula in the arm, or a graft or catheter where a fistula is not suitable. Reliable access is needed for treatment, and the team checks it regularly.
Yes. If you are already on hemodialysis, your coordinator can arrange regular sessions in our unit around your stay so your schedule continues without interruption. Share your records in advance so the team can plan your treatment before you arrive.
No. Hemodialysis maintains health but does not cure kidney failure, so it continues unless your kidney function recovers or you receive a transplant. For suitable patients, a kidney transplant is the definitive treatment, and your nephrologist can discuss whether it is an option for you.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual and depends on how many sessions you need. Your coordinator confirms the details and schedules sessions around your stay.
Related treatments
Considering hemodialysis?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.