Dialysis
Dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed when your kidneys have stopped working. A sudden drop in kidney function is called Acute Kidney Failure. It is often short lived and seldom means you will stay on dialysis. More often kidney function worsens over a number of years until it fails permanently. This is when dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed and usually happens when there is less than 10 percent function left.
There are two forms of dialysis - haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both types filter your blood to rid your body of harmful wastes, extra salt and water, which the failed kidneys cannot remove.
Hemodialysis does that with a machine. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood. Each type has both risks and benefits. They also require that you follow a special diet.
Your doctor will let you know when it is time to start treatment and help you decide the best type of dialysis for you.
Dialysis modalities are as follows:
