Q: Is hemodialysis a routine or a life saving procedure? Can it be considered safe, if done without the supervision of a qualified nephrologist? How far can the patient of chronic kidney disease travel safely without any adverse effects on the health? The patient has a long history of disease and is required to undergo dialysis thrice a week.

A:Hemodialysis is both a life saving and a long-term maintenance treatment for patients with kidney failure. Hemodialysis treatment sessions if complied upon and as prescribed and monitored by the certified nephrologist and the support dialysis staff goes a long way in maintaining the optimal quality of life. This treatment is also aided by focusing on some other complications of kidney failure not addressed by dialysis itself like managing anaemia, kidney bone disease and increased incidence of cardiovascular disease with appropriate set of prescribed medicines. Depending upon the patients other co-morbid conditions, one could certainly travel and accordingly make arrangements for out of station dialysis.