Dialysis is a treatment to do what your kidneys are meant to do which is

• Remove waste products and toxins from your body
• Help maintain stable blood pressure
• Regulate water and minerals such as potassium or sodium in the body

Click to watch video on Kidney Dialysis by DaVita Kidney Care

When is dialysis needed?

Dialysis is required when you develop End Stage Renal Failure (which is when you lose about 85 to 90% of your kidney function and have a GFR of <15.

Where is dialysis done?

Dialysis is can be performed in a hospital or in a dialysis centre.  It can also be done at home in the case of peritoneal dialysis.

What are the 2 types of dialysis?

1. Haemodialysis uses a haemodialyzer (like an artificial kidney) to remove waste and extra chemicals and fluid from your blood. The doctor needs to make an access into your blood vessels at your arm (sometimes at the leg or neck) using an AV fistula or a graft.  (Click here to read more about AV Fistula)

2. Peritoneal dialysis cleans your blood inside your body.  The doctor needs to make an access by placing a plastic tube called a catheter into your abdomen. During the treatment, your abdominal area (called the peritoneal cavity) is slowly filled with Dialysate through this catheter.  Waste products, toxins and excess fluid are drawn out of your blood into the Dialysate and drained out of your body after 3-4 hours. There are two major kinds of peritoneal dialysis.

• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
• Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

Can dialysis patients lead a normal life?

Most patients live normal lives except for the time required for their dialysis. See your doctor regularly for blood tests to check on your kidney function and to manage any other illness you may have such as blood pressure or diabetes.  You need to control your diet, watch what you eat and limit how much you drink.  (Click here to read for about Diet for patients with Kidney problems)

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