The Treament Of Kidney Failure in detail

Treating kidney failure through dialysis

If the kidneys fail, it is possible to replace their function using dialysis, an artificial way of getting rid of toxins.

How a patient is feeling and blood tests determine when it is necessary to begin dialysis. Some patients do not need to start until some time - occasionally years - after diagnosis. But even if this is the case, they need to know in advance about the different options available, because they should have a choice about which method of dialysis they use.

There are two different kinds of dialysis - haemodialysis, where the blood is cleaned outside the body via a machine, and Peritoneal dialysis, where the cleaning is done inside the body. Occasionally, there may be medical reasons to prefer one sort of dialysis to another - this is something to discuss with your doctor.
Which kind of dialysis?
Which kind of dialysis to have? Medical factors and pressure on facilities have to be taken into account when deciding which method of dialysis to have - but many patients do have a choice. To make an informed choice, they need to learn something about the different kinds of dialysis - the advantages and disadvantages of each.

One way to do this is to meet experienced members of the Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis staff teams, who can provide support and information, and answer questions. Another way is to meet and talk to patients who are already established on the different dialysis treatments. (It can be a good idea for close relatives or carers to attend these meetings).

If you are choosing between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, you need to know that both methods are equally effective. Haemodialysis works more quickly than peritoneal dialysis, so it only needs to be done in short sessions three times a week. Peritoneal dialysis is more gentle, but needs to be performed every day.

An introduction to haemodialyis and An introduction to peritoneal dialysis will give you a basic idea of what's involved in each treatment and help get you started on the decision-making process.

Do bear in mind the fact that your first choice of treatment may not be the only choice... You may find that you change your mind, or that medical considerations make it necessary for you to change to another treatment.

Whichever form of dialysis you choose, you will be trained in all aspects of using it in your Renal Unit.