Fully functioning kidneys remove wastes and excess fluids from the blood. When the kidneys fail, harmful wastes and excess fluids build up in the body, causing life-threatening events. Currently, dialysis and kidney transplantation are the only two available treatment options for renal failure. Kidney experts help patients determine which type of renal failure treatment is most suitable for them.
Dialysis
If you choose dialysis as a treatment option for renal failure you will still have more decisions to make. There are two types”hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Factors considered when choosing the type of dialysis include the patient’s medical condition, lifestyle and personal preference.
Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Your doctor will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type and together you will decide which treatment is best for you.
To make sure dialysis does the work of your failed kidneys, follow your treatment plan, follow your special diet, and comply with all medications prescribed for you.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis treatment uses a machine to filter your blood of wastes and excess fluid that have built up as a result of renal failure. Each hemodialysis treatment lasts about three to five hours and patients usually get it three times a week.
During hemodialysis, your blood travels to a dialysis machine where it goes through a filter called a dialyzer. The dialyzer acts like your kidney. As your blood is filtered, it is returned to your bloodstream. Only a small amount of blood is out of your body at any given time.
Hemodialysis treatment is usually done at a dialysis center, which may be located in a hospital or may be in a separate facility. However, hemodialysis can also be done at home. With home hemodialysis, a care partner will be assigned to help you.
Peritoneal Dialysis (reference 3)
With peritoneal dialysis, your blood is actually filtered inside your own body. Your blood does not go through a machine.
Peritoneal dialysis is done inside your abdomen or belly. The lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, actually filters your blood of waste and extra fluids. A cleansing solution is passed into your abdomen through a tube called a catheter. This requires minor surgery initially.
Wastes and excess fluid pass from your blood and through the peritoneal membrane into the cleansing solution. After several hours, you drain the cleansing solution, which now has your wastes and excess fluids, out of your body. Depending on how much dialysis you need this process can take several hours. Peritoneal dialysis is done at home. Your dialysis team will work out all the times and details for you.
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves the transplant of someone else’s healthy kidney into your body. A transplanted kidney can do the work of two failed kidneys. The transplanted kidney is donated to you.
It takes about three hours on average to do a kidney transplant operation, with recovery time in the hospital taking about five to seven days. After the transplant, you will need to take anti-rejection medications to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.
About this Author
Diane Lanigan has worked as a medical writer for 10 years and developed educational resources on all aspects of medicine for clinicians and patients. She has written books, brochures, multipanel tools, posters, slide sets, web-based interactive programs and continuing medical education programs. Lanigan has a B.Sc. and an M.A. in journalism.
