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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffIn hemodialysis, a machine filters wastes, salts and fluid from your blood when your kidneys are no longer healthy enough to do this work adequately. Hemodialysis is the most common way to treat advanced kidney failure. The procedure can help you carry on an active life despite failing kidneys.
Hemodialysis requires you to follow a strict treatment schedule, take medications regularly and, usually, make changes in your diet.
Hemodialysis is a serious responsibility, but you don't have to shoulder it alone. You'll work closely with your health care team, including a kidney specialist and other professionals with experience managing hemodialysis. You may be able to do hemodialysis at home.
Peritoneal (per-ih-toe-NEE-ul) dialysis is another way to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job adequately. During peritoneal dialysis, blood vessels in your abdominal lining (peritoneum) fill in for your kidneys, with the help of a cleansing fluid that flows into and out of the peritoneal space.
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- Treatment methods for kidney failure: Hemodialysis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hemodialysis/. Accessed April 7, 2013.
- Hemodialysis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary_disorders/renal_replacement_therapy/hemodialysis.html. Accessed April 7, 2013.
- Berns JS. Patient information: Hemodialysis (Beyond the Basics). http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 7, 2013.
- Kidney disease: Causes. National Kidney Foundation. http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneydiscauses.cfm. Accessed April 9, 2013.
- Kidney disease basics. National Kidney Disease Education Program. http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/learn/kidney-disease-basics.shtml. Accessed April 9, 2013.
- The kidneys and how they work. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/index.aspx. Accessed April 9, 2013.
- Consequences of frequent hemodialysis: Comparison to conventional hemodialysis and transplantation. Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association. 2011;122:124.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 12, 2013.
- Norby SM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 18, 2013.
- About chronic kidney disease. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/aboutckd.cfm. Accessed April 26, 2013.
- Albright RC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 2, 2013.
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