When the kidneys can no longer adequately remove waste and excess fluid from the body, kidney replacement therapies may be considered. Dialysis is one of the treatment options for kidney failure.
Two major forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
What Is Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis filters the blood outside the body using a machine and a special filter called a dialyzer. The process helps remove waste and excess water and helps maintain appropriate levels of minerals such as potassium, sodium and calcium.
Hemodialysis may be performed in a dialysis centre or, for some patients, at home. The schedule and treatment plan depend on the individual’s medical needs and the dialysis prescription.
What Is Peritoneal Dialysis?
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, as the filtering surface. A dialysis solution is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter. Waste and excess fluid move into the solution, which is then drained.
Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home, depending on the patient’s treatment plan and circumstances.
Is Dialysis a Cure?
Dialysis replaces some of the functions normally performed by healthy kidneys, but it does not cure kidney failure.
For some people with kidney failure, a kidney transplant may be another treatment option. Conservative management without dialysis or transplant is also an option for some patients, depending on their circumstances and treatment goals.
Choosing the Right Approach
The choice of kidney replacement therapy depends on medical factors, lifestyle, preferences, support systems and other individual considerations. A nephrologist can discuss the available options and help patients understand the benefits, requirements and potential challenges of each approach.
Understanding the available options early can help patients and their families prepare for kidney replacement therapy when it becomes necessary.
Sources: NIDDK — Hemodialysis · NIDDK — Peritoneal Dialysis · NIDDK — Kidney Failure Treatment Options
“This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.”
