Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and glomerular nephritis can slowly and insidiously rob a person of all kidney function, resulting in renal failure. Dialysis sustains life until a kidney becomes available for transplant, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is what most people envision when they think of dialysis. Patients go to a hemodialysis center three or more times a week for several hours. During this time, their blood is removed, cleaned and returned. Treatment involves a huge commitment of time.
Vascular Access
Vascular access refers to different ways the patient's veins and arteries can be coupled to the dialysis machine. For hemodialysis patients, vascular access occurs either through an arteriovenous fistula or a graft surgically placed in the patient's arm. These techniques allow the patient to have injections multiple times a week and have his blood removed and cleaned. In emergencies, health care personnel can access the patient's blood supply via a catheter in their neck.
Home Hemo
Home hemodialysis is also called home hemo. Patients who elect home hemo dialyze are trained to use dialysis machines in their home and needle themselves.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis became popular as an alternative to hemodialysis in the 1980's, reports the NIDDK. Many patients find it appealing because it frees them from frequent visits to a dialysis center. Patients dialyze by adding a special fluid though a catheter in the abdominal wall. Blood impurities are released into this fluid which the patient later removes.
Decisions
The most important decision patients make involves electing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Hospitals provide counseling to help patients decide what works best for their lifestyle and physical condition.
