Dialysis

 

Alternative Names

Artificial kidneys; Hemodialysis; Renal replacement therapy

Definition

Dialysis is a treatment used when the kidneys do not work well. It removes harmful substances from the blood when the kidneys cannot.

There are different types of kidney dialysis. This article focuses on hemodialysis.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

The kidneys' main job is to remove toxins from the blood. A buildup of waste products can lead to death.

The kidneys also help:

  • Manage how much water is in the body
  • Maintain the balance of sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and other minerals and vitamins in the body
  • Make sure the blood-acid balance is normal

Dialysis is used to treat patients with chronic kidney disease. Your doctor and nurse will begin discussing dialysis with you before you need it.

Dialysis also may be used when the kidneys suddenly stop working (also called acute renal failure).

Sometimes, hemodialysis can be used to quickly remove drugs or poisons from the body.

Risks

Risks of dialysis include:

  • A small bubble of air in the blood that travels to a blood vessel in another part of the body (air embolism)
  • Bleeding from the access site
  • Cramps
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Infection
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting

This list is not all-inclusive.

Outlook (Prognosis)

See: End-stage kidney disease

References

Tolkoff-Rubin N. Treatment of irreversible renal failure. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 133.

Mitch WE. Chronic kidney disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 131.

Review Date: 9/21/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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