You may need dialysis if your kidneys aren’t removing enough waste and fluids from your blood. In some cases, dialysis treatment is only needed for a short period of time, until your kidney function improves.
If you have progressive chronic kidney disease that is leading to kidney failure, you need dialysis for the rest of your life or until you receive a kidney transplant.
University Health provides dialysis care including:
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis cleans your blood with a dialysis machine and filter called an artificial kidney. Usually, your doctor makes an entrance point in your arm or leg in a minor surgical procedure. You’re hooked to the dialysis machine, and your blood is circulated through it and cleaned. On average, this treatment is given three times a week in four-hour sessions. Hemodialysis is provided within We offer flexible scheduling for your convenience.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis cleans your blood inside your body without circulating it outside your body. You have peritoneal dialysis at home if your doctor decides you’re a good candidate for it.
Your doctor makes an entrance point for a catheter (plastic tube) in your abdomen in a minor surgical procedure. Each time you perform dialysis, you slowly fill your abdominal area with a solution through the catheter, and extra fluid and waste products are drawn out of your blood and into the solution.
One type of peritoneal dialysis – continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) – doesn’t involve a machine. You add the solution (dialysate) through the opening in your abdomen through a catheter four to five times a day. You can go about your usual activities while the dialysis takes place.
Another type of peritoneal dialysis – continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) – uses a machine to perform dialysis while you sleep.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Continuous renal replacement therapy is hemofiltration provided in the intensive care setting for acute kidney problems.
