What Is Dialysis?

The kidneys are a pair of organs, each about the size of a fist,
located on either side of your spine. Theyre responsible for
purifying your blood by removing waste and excess fluid from
your body. When the kidneys dont work properly, dialysis is
used to perform the function of the kidneys.
Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies the blood using
a machine. This helps keep your body in balance when the
kidneys cant do their job. Dialysis has been used since the
1940s to treat people with kidney problems.
Part 2 of 6
Why Is Dialysis Used?
Properly functioning kidneys prevent extra water, waste, and
other impurities from accumulating in your body. They also
help control blood pressure and regulate the levels of
chemicals in the blood, such as sodium, or salt, and
potassium. They even activate a form of vitamin D that
improves the absorption of calcium.
When your kidneys can't perform these functions due to
disease or injury, dialysis can help keep the body running as
normally as possible. Without dialysis, salts and other waste
products will accumulate in the blood and poison the body.
However, dialysis isnt a cure for kidney disease or other
problems affecting the kidneys. Different treatments may be
needed to address those concerns.
Part 3 of 6
How Does Dialysis Work?
Dialysis is an artificial way of cleaning your blood. There are
two different types of dialysis:
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. It uses an
artificial kidney, known as a hemodialyzer, to remove waste
and chemicals from your blood. To get the blood to flow to the
artificial kidney, your doctor will surgically create a vascular
access, or an entrance point, into your blood vessels. This
vascular access will allow a larger amount of blood to flow
through your body during hemodialysis treatment. This
means more blood can be filtered and purified.

The two type of vascular access designed for long-term

dialysis treatments are an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, which
connects an artery and a vein and an AV graft, which is a
looped tube. For short-term use, a catheter may be inserted
into the large vein in your neck.
Hemodialysis treatments usually last three to five hours. The
treatment is typically needed three times per week. However,
hemodialysis treatment can also be done in shorter, more
frequent sessions.
Most hemodialysis treatments are done at a hospital, doctor's
office, or dialysis center. The length of treatment depends on
your body size and the amount of waste in your body.
After youve been on hemodialysis for an extended amount of
time, your doctor may feel that you're ready to give yourself
dialysis treatments at home. This option is more common for
people who will need long-term treatment.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis involves surgery to implant a catheter into
your belly area. During treatment, a special fluid
called dialysate flows into your abdomen. Once the dialysate
draws waste out of the bloodstream, its drained from your
abdomen.
There are numerous different types of peritoneal dialysis, but
the main ones are continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
and continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis. In
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, your abdomen is
filled and drained multiple times each day. Continuous cycler-
assisted peritoneal dialysis, however, uses a machine to cycle
the fluid in and out of your abdomen. Its usually done at
night while you sleep.
Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home. Youll receive
training on how to perform the steps of the treatment.
Part 4 of 6
Are There Any Risks Associated
with Dialysis?
While both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis are
treatments that can save your life, they can have certain
risks.
Peritoneal dialysis is associated with an increased risk for
infections in or around the catheter site in the abdominal
cavity. For example, a person can experience peritonitis, an
infection of the membrane lining the abdominal wall, after
catheter implantation. Other risks include:
abdominal muscle weakening
high blood sugar due to the dextrose in the dialysate
weight gain
Hemodialysis also has unique risks, including:
low blood pressure
anemia, or not having enough red blood cells
muscle cramping
difficulty sleeping
itching
high blood potassium levels
depression
pericarditis, which is an inflammation of the membrane
around the heart
If you continue to have these symptoms while on peritoneal
dialysis or hemodialysis, tell the healthcare provider
performing the treatment.
Those who undergo long-term dialysis treatments are also at
risk of developing other medical conditions, including
amyloidosis. This disease can occur when amyloid proteins
produced in bone marrow build up in the kidneys, liver, heart,
and other organs. This usually causes joint pain, stiffness,
and swelling. Some people may also develop depression after
being diagnosed with long-term kidney failure. Call 911
immediately if youre having thoughts associated with
depression, such as thoughts of harming yourself or
committing suicide. The National Alliance on Mental
Illness can also provide you with resources if you struggle
with depression.
Part 5 of 6

How Do I Prepare for Dialysis?

Before your first dialysis treatment, your doctor will surgically
implant a tube or device to gain access to your bloodstream.
This is typically a quick operation. You should be able to
return home the same day.
It's best to wear comfortable clothing during your dialysis
treatments. You should also follow your doctor's instructions,
which may include fasting for a certain amount of time before
the treatment.
Part 6 of 6

What Is the Long-Term Outlook

for Someone Who Needs
Dialysis?
Not all kidney disorders are permanent. Dialysis can
temporarily serve the same function as kidneys until your
own kidneys repair themselves and begin to work on their
own again. However, in chronic kidney disease, the kidneys
rarely get better. You must go on dialysis permanently or until
a kidney transplant becomes an option if you have this
condition