Dialysis is a medical treatment that helps remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not able to do so effectively. Dialysis is used to treat kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which can be caused by injuries and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and lupus that damage the kidneys. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis

• A machine removes blood from the body and filters it through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) before returning the cleaned blood to the body.
• Hemodialysis can be done at a dialysis center, hospital, or at home.
• Before starting hemodialysis, a minor surgery is needed to create a vascular access site (opening into one of your blood vessels), usually in your arm.
• Hemodialysis sessions usually last 3-5 hours and are done three times a week.
• Home hemodialysis allows for longer or more frequent dialysis sessions, usually three to seven times a week, and can be done at night while the patient sleeps.

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Tiny blood vessels in the abdominal lining filter the blood with the help of a dialysis solution that contains water, salt, and other additives.
• The solution is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter and left there for several hours before being drained out.
• Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home or at work.

Dialysis is a very effective treatment option for clearing waste products and extra fluid from the blood, but it does not fully replace all the kid...