Possible complications of dialysis

Both types of dialysis have a risk of complications.

Possible complications of haemodialysis include:

a skin infection around the new blood vessel that's used for the treatment (called an AVF or arteriovenous fistula)
bleeding from the new blood vessel
too much fluid in your body, leading to serious problems such as heart failure

Your care team will give you advice about problems to look out for and what to do if you have an infection or bleeding.

They can also let you know how much fluid you should drink each day, to help prevent too much fluid building up in your body.

Possible complications of peritoneal dialysis include:

a skin infection where the thin, flexible tube (catheter) enters your tummy
a hernia, where internal organs push through a weakness in the tummy muscles and create a lump
serious infections, such as peritonitis (infection of the tummy lining)

Your care team will give you advice about problems to look out for and what to do if you have an infection or bleeding.

Peritonitis needs to be treated straight away as it can lead to sepsis.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You're having dialysis and:

the skin around your AV fistula or abdominal catheter is painful, swollen or a different colour from usual
you have tummy pain or a lump in your tummy
you get a very high temperature, or start feeling hot and shivery
your heart is beating more quickly than usual
you cannot pee or you're peeing much less than usual
the fluid that drains into your pouch (if you use one) looks cloudier than usual or has white flecks in it

You can call 111. Tell your GP or 111 if you’re having dialysis.

the blood vessel used for treatment (your AV fistula) starts bleeding – without treatment, the bleeding will not stop

Tell the call handler that you're bleeding from a haemodialysis fistula.

While waiting for medical help, follow any advice your care team has given you about what to do if your AV fistula is bleeding.