Dialysis is used to remove extra fluid and waste products from the blood when the kidneys are not able to perform this function, most commonly in cases of kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)[5].
This treatment is essential for:
- Managing chronic kidney failure when less than 10–15% of kidney function remains (measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR)
- Treating acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a sudden episode of kidney failure or damage that may require temporary dialysis until kidney function improves
Dialysis does some of the work healthy kidneys would do by removing waste, excess salt, and water from the blood, helping control blood pressure, and balancing essential minerals in the bloodstream[1][5]. It is important to note that while dialysis replaces some kidney functions, it is not a cure for kidney disease[5].
The two main types of dialysis are:
- Hemodialysis: Involves using a machine (dialyzer) to filter and clean the blood. Blood is removed from the body, passed through the dialyzer, and then returned. This process is typically done at a dialysis center or sometimes at home[1][5].
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A cleansing fluid is infused into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, and wastes pass from the blood into this fluid, which is then drained away[5].
Dialysis may be used for people with acute or chronic kidney conditions, and the choice of type depends on the patient’s condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences[5].