Dialysis is a procedure to cleanse the blood of wastes, excess fluid and salt after the kidneys can no longer perform these functions. It is the most common treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The only alternative to dialysis after chronic kidney failure is a kidney transplant.

There are two main types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis uses a tube to draw blood from the body into a machine that filters out wastes and excess fluid. The machine then returns the cleansed blood to the body. Hemodialysis is usually performed three times a week for several hours at each session. It is most often done at a clinic called a dialysis center, but some patients can be trained to complete hemodialysis at home.
  
  
• Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the body’s own abdominal membrane (peritoneum) as the filter. First, a surgeon surgically implants a permanent tube in the abdomen. Dialysis solution is poured through the tube and fills the space between the abdominal wall and organs. The solution draws wastes and excess fluid from the bloodstream. After several hours, the used solution is drained from the abdomen. PD is usually performed in several consecutive sessions daily at home or work.

People with risk factors for renal failure, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should have their blood and urine tested regularly to catch and treat kidney disease in its early stages and avoid the need for dialysis or transplant.

Dialysis does not cure chronic kidney disease and usually continues for life unless a transplant is possible. Dialysis is also used at hospitals to treat some cases of acute kidney failure due to causes such as poisoning or heart attack. Sometimes dialysis resolves acute kidney failure and is needed only temporarily.