A 40-year-old member asked:
Why do dialysis treatments take so long?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anthony Cusanoanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 41 years experience
Dialysis time: Your kidneys work 24/7/365 to remove toxins and maintain fluid and mineral balance for your body. We do dialysis over the shortest time possible to get the job done to replace those functions without putting an intolerable strain on the heart, the dialsysis access, or other body systems. If we go too quickly you could have severe low blood pressure or severe symptomatic metabolic disturbances.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jerry Lightanswered
Peripheral Vascular Sugery 37 years experience
Not so long: If you think about it, hemodialysis sessions, which last 3 to 4 hours 3 times a week, do not really take that much time. By this i mean that the dialysis machine is able to clean and filter your blood in about a half a days time in a week. This replaces your kidneys which function 24/7 all week. If your kidneys are not functioning, the time on dialysis is well spent.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Kalyani Perumalanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 30 years experience
Its important: Each dialysis treatment does the function of kidney-clearing toxins, removing fluids, replacing electrolytes that are low. Think about your kidneys- working 24 hrs/7 days/week- non stop.Now we are trying to do all that function in 3 sessions, max of 4 or more hours 3 days/week. So it may seem long but thats the minimum time you ataleast need to keep yourself healthy.
697 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 18, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.