Learn about Hemodialysis Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Hemodialysis and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining medical procedure performed by a nephrologist to artificially filter waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function adequately. During the procedure, the patient's blood is circulated outside the body through a dialysis machine, which contains a special filter called a dialyzer. This filter acts as an artificial kidney, removing impurities and balancing electrolytes before returning the cleaned blood to the body. Typically required multiple times per week, hemodialysis is a cornerstone treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe acute kidney injury, helping to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life for patients with kidney failure.

Key Highlights

    Effectively removes waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the bloodstream.Helps control blood pressure and balance essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium.Manages symptoms of kidney failure such as nausea, fatigue, and swelling.Can be a life-sustaining treatment while awaiting a kidney transplant.Allows for a structured, supervised treatment schedule, often performed at dedicated dialysis centers.

Who is this surgery for?

  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) where kidney function is less than 10-15%.
  • Severe Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) causing a dangerous buildup of waste products.
  • Symptoms of uremia, such as confusion, nausea, pericarditis, or uncontrolled itching.
  • Difficulty managing fluid overload leading to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
  • Dangerously high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) that cannot be controlled by medication.
  • Severe metabolic acidosis (excess acid in the blood) due to kidney failure.

How to prepare

  • Creation of vascular access, typically an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft, weeks to months before starting regular dialysis.
  • For immediate need, a temporary central venous catheter may be placed in the neck or chest.
  • Comprehensive evaluation by a nephrologist including blood tests, imaging, and cardiovascular assessment.
  • Discussion of dietary and fluid intake restrictions (renal diet) to follow.
  • Review of all current medications with the healthcare team for necessary adjustments.
  • Psychological counseling and education about the dialysis process and lifestyle changes.

Risks & possible complications

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure) during or after treatment.
  • Muscle cramps, often in the legs.
  • Infection or clotting at the vascular access site.
  • Anemia due to blood loss and reduced erythropoietin production.
  • Electrolyte imbalances and irregular heart rhythms.
  • Disequilibrium syndrome (headache, nausea, confusion) from rapid fluid/electrolyte shifts.
  • Long-term risks include bone disease, amyloidosis, and cardiovascular complications.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate post-treatment: Vital signs are monitored until stable; patients may feel fatigued.
  • Care of the vascular access site is crucial to prevent infection and ensure proper function.
  • Adherence to a strict renal diet, limiting potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid intake.
  • Regular follow-up appointments with the nephrologist to adjust dialysis prescription and medications.
  • Management of side effects like anemia with medications (erythropoiesis-stimulating agents).
  • Emotional and psychological support is often recommended to cope with the chronic treatment regimen.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Typically outpatient (0 days)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Ongoing treatment; immediate recovery from each session is 1-2 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering hemodialysis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for hemodialysis compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 16 – USD 44 Typically outpatient (0 days) ~ Ongoing treatment; immediate recovery from each session is 1-2 hours Know More
Turkey USD 121 – USD 322 Typically outpatient (0 days) ~ Ongoing treatment; immediate recovery from each session is 1-2 hours Know More

Top hospitals for Hemodialysis in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated nephrology teams and experience managing patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Gem Hospital Coimbatore

  • IconRamanathapuram, India
  • Icon20 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to three other doctors...

I'd been to three other doctors for this nagging pain and fatigue, and everyone just said it was stress. Dr. Sukanya was different. She actually sat and listened to the whole, messy story, asked about things no one else had, and ordered a specific test the others hadn't. Turns out it was something quite rare. She explained it to me in plain Tamil, drew a little diagram on her notepad. I felt heard for the first time, and finally had a path forward.

Nephrologists for Hemodialysis

Explore experienced nephrologists who regularly perform hemodialysis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Smartya Pulai
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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