Our Services / Hemodialysis

What is hemodialysis?

When you have proper kidney function, your kidneys eliminate waste and extra fluid from your blood. They also produce substances that keep your body well. If your kidneys start to fail, dialysis helps them work the way they’re supposed to. 

Hemodialysis is an artificial kidney that removes waste, other fluids, and chemicals from your blood. Blood goes into the artificial kidney, receives treatment, and then goes back into your body. 

Before you can begin hemodialysis, Dr. Ramos does a minor surgery, creating access for the machine to send your blood through a filter.

Dr. Ramos can provide access in one of three ways, including:

1. A fistula, joining an artery and vein in your arm
2. A graft, using a piece of soft tube to join an artery and vein in your arm
3. A catheter, placing a soft tube in a large vein, usually in your neck

During your consultation at Kidney Doctors of South Texas, PA: Keith A. Ramos, MD, Dr. Ramos talks with you about your options, explaining how each access works, how to care for it, and how to keep it working well. 

Am I a candidate for hemodialysis?

The team at Kidney Doctors of South Texas, PA: Keith A. Ramos, MD, assesses your condition after a comprehensive exam and determines if hemodialysis is right for you.

Factors to consider include:

• Kidney function
• Severity of your symptoms
• Individual preferences
• Overall health
• Quality of life

If your kidney only has 10-15% of its function left, you need dialysis. 

What are the benefits of hemodialysis?

If you do hemodialysis at home, benefits include:

• Your dialysis partner can manage the procedure without in-office staff
• You don’t have to travel to a dialysis center
• You have the flexibility to choose the time of day of your procedure
• Home dialysis 5-7 times a week proves successful outcomes

Benefits of in-center hemodialysis include being able to rely on and have the confidence in a trained staff member to manage your procedure. You can also find community and make friends at the center since you’re typically dialyzing at the same time as others.

To learn more about hemodialysis, call the friendly office staff at Kidney Doctors of South Texas, PA, at the office nearest you, or book your appointment online.