Dialysis

Overview

Overview The function of your kidneys is to purify your body by removing waste and excess fluid. Dialysis is a treatment used for people whose kidneys don't work properly. It's a common treatment that has been used for people with kidney problems since the 1940s.

The Purpose of Dialysis

A properly functioning kidney helps prevent salt, extra water, and waste from accumulating in your body. It also helps control blood pressure and regulates important chemicals in the blood, such as sodium (salt) and potassium. When your kidneys don't perform these functions due to disease or injury, dialysis can help purify the blood and remove waste.

How It Works

There are two different types of dialysis:

1. Hemodialysis involves using an artificial kidney, known as a hemodialyzer, to remove waste and chemicals from the blood. It accesses the blood through a minor surgical procedure in the arm or leg, or through a plastic tube in the neck called a catheter.

2. Peritoneal dialysis involves the surgical implantation of a catheter into your stomach area. During treatment, a special fluid called dialystate is pumped into the abdomen where it draws waste out of the bloodstream

Desired Results

Not all kidney failure is permanent. Dialysis can temporarily aid the kidneys while they repair themselves. Treatment typically lasts until the kidneys begin to work on their own again. However, in chronic kidney failure, the kidneys rarely get better and dialysis is needed for the rest of your life or until a kidney transplant becomes an option.