Holiday kidney dialysis

During dialysis treatment, blood is removed from your body. The best way to do this is by creating a ‘fistula’. This involves an operation in one of your arms to join an artery and vein together to form a circuit of flowing blood. The operation takes about one hour and is usually done under local anesthetic.

From the fistula, your blood is circulated around a dialysis machine and then cleansed before entering your arm. Dialysis is usually carried out several times a week, with each session lasting around four hours. You will have access to reclining chairs and we will provide you with fresh sandwiches and beverages.

Our team will let you know how to prepare. You'll need to bring any medications you take with you, including any you take during dialysis. This includes erythropoietin injections, alpha calcidol and any vitamin supplements.

If you use any anticoagulation regime, please bring it with you or tell us in advance so we can try to supply it. You'll need to give us copies of recent blood results beforehand. Bookings to our holiday dialysis service need to be made at least four to six weeks in advance of travelling. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these.

After the dialysis session has been completed, the needles will be removed and a plaster applied to prevent bleeding. Dialysis is an ongoing treatment which many people can remain on for years. Kidney failure may be temporary and dialysis may only be needed until your kidneys recovered. Often, someone with kidney failure will need a kidney transplant. Should you require this information, our consultant will let you know what treatment options are available to you.