How long does Kidney Dialysis take?

When someone is diagnosed with kidney failure, dialysis becomes a crucial part of managing their health. One of the first questions patients and families ask is: "How long does kidney dialysis take?" Understanding the duration, frequency, and process of dialysis helps patients prepare mentally and physically for treatment.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dialysis timing, the types of dialysis available, and what you can expect during each session. At our specialized center for Dialysis in Eldoret, we provide compassionate, expert-led care designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey.

What is Kidney Dialysis?

Kidney dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for people with kidney failure. When your kidneys can no longer remove waste and excess fluid from the blood, dialysis takes over that role. It helps maintain proper chemical balance and blood pressure, preventing life-threatening complications.

There are two main types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis: Filters your blood using a machine.
Peritoneal dialysis: Uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood inside your body.

At our Top Hospital in Eldoret, we offer both types with personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition.

So, How long does Kidney Dialysis take?

The answer depends on the type of dialysis:

1. Hemodialysis

Each session lasts about 3 to 5 hours.
Typically performed three times a week.
Some patients may undergo longer sessions depending on their medical needs and body size.

Hemodialysis can be done at a hospital, dialysis center, or even at home. At our unit for Dialysis, sessions are scheduled to accommodate patient convenience and minimize wait times.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis

Done at home daily.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) involves 3-5 exchanges per day, each taking about 30 to 40 minutes.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) is done overnight using a machine, lasting 8 to 10 hours while you sleep.

For both types, the total time commitment varies, but the goal is always to balance effectiveness with your lifestyle.

What factors Influence the Duration of Dialysis?

Body size and weight: Larger patients may need longer sessions.
Level of kidney function: Residual kidney activity may reduce dialysis frequency.
Toxin levels in the blood: Higher levels require more frequent or extended dialysis.
Overall health: Cardiac issues, diabetes, or other conditions may affect the schedule.

We assess these variables at our Top Hospital in Eldoret before designing a personalized dialysis plan.

Preparing for Your First Dialysis Session

Before starting dialysis, patients undergo a series of preparatory steps:

Insertion of a vascular access (for hemodialysis)
Peritoneal catheter placement (for peritoneal dialysis)
Blood tests and imaging
Dietary consultations

Our center for Dialysis in Eldoret guides patients through every step, ensuring they're informed and comfortable.

What happens during Hemodialysis?

Here’s a typical session breakdown:

Check-in: Vitals are recorded.
Hook-up: Needles are inserted into your access site.
Dialysis: Blood is pumped through the dialyzer (filter), cleaned, and returned to the body.
Monitoring: Nurses check your blood pressure and comfort throughout.

What Happens During Peritoneal Dialysis?

CAPD patients perform exchanges manually at intervals during the day. Each cycle involves:

Draining old dialysate fluid
Filling the abdomen with new fluid
Dwell time: Allowing the fluid to sit and absorb toxins

Is Dialysis Painful?

Dialysis is generally not painful, though patients may feel:

Discomfort from needle insertion
Fatigue post-treatment
Muscle cramps or low blood pressure in rare cases

At our Dialysis in Eldoret facility, comfort is a top priority. We use numbing creams, provide relaxation support, and closely monitor patients.

Dialysis Schedule and Lifestyle

Planning dialysis into your weekly routine is key. We help patients:

Choose time slots that fit work and family commitments
Understand dietary adjustments
Manage fluid intake
Arrange transportation if needed

Long-Term outlook on Dialysis

Many patients live well on dialysis for years. Key tips include:

Adhering to treatment schedules
Eating a renal-friendly diet
Staying active
Maintaining positive mental health

Our holistic care approach at our Dialysis in Eldoret unit includes emotional support, nutrition advice, and family education.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does kidney dialysis take? It varies based on the type and your health—but typically, it ranges from 3 to 10 hours per session, depending on the method.

Our goal at the Top Hospital in Eldoret is to provide excellent, patient-focused dialysis care. From day one, we support you with the knowledge, compassion, and medical expertise needed to thrive.