Understanding Dialysis: A Lifeline for Failing Kidneys

27 August,2025

Understanding Dialysis: A Lifeline for Failing Kidneys

Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys are failing. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both types perform the normal duties of your failing kidneys by filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood.

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys aren’t working. When you have kidney failure, your kidneys don’t filter blood the way they should. As a result, wastes and toxins build up in your bloodstream. Common wastes include nitrogen waste (urea), muscle waste (creatinine) and acids. They usually leave your body when you pee. Dialysis does the work of your kidneys by removing waste products and excess fluids from your blood.

Why do people have to get dialysis?

People who have late-stage kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or kidney failure may need kidney dialysis. The following diseases and conditions can damage your kidneys, leading to kidney disease:

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Lupus

Some people develop kidney problems for unknown reasons. Kidney failure can be a long-term condition, or it can come on suddenly (acute) after a severe illness or injury. Acute kidney failure may recover.

There are five stages of kidney disease. In stage 5 kidney disease, healthcare providers consider you to be in kidney failure. At this point, your kidneys only function at less than 15% of their normal rate. You may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Some people undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant.

Is going on dialysis serious?

Yes, going on dialysis is serious. If you need dialysis and choose not to start or decide to stop, toxins will build up in your blood (uremia). Kidney failure is fatal without treatment. If you have kidney failure, you may survive a few days or weeks without dialysis.

How common is dialysis?

Dialysis is common. Over 2 million people throughout the world treat kidney disease with dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Treatment Details

What are the types of dialysis?

There are two types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis

Peritoneal dialysis

What is hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. It utilizes a dialysis machine that:

Removes blood from your body, usually from a vein in your arm

Filters it through an artificial kidney (dialyzer)

Returns clean blood to your body

You can get hemodialysis from a dialysis center or at home. Most people receive in-center hemodialysis at least three times per week. Depending on the type of at-home hemodialysis, you may need it three to seven days per week, and sessions may last between three and eight hours.

Before you start hemodialysis, a surgeon will enlarge some of the blood vessels (an artery and vein) in your arm to make dialysis access easier, as well as to allow blood to flow in and out of your body faster.

What is peritoneal dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis uses the inner lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter your blood. You add a dialysis solution (dialysate) into your peritoneum that helps the blood vessels in the area filter your blood. Afterward, you drain the solution into a bag outside of your body. Healthcare providers call this process an exchange.

There are two main types of peritoneal dialysis:

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This type uses a bag that you put above your shoulder, and gravity slowly pulls the dialysate into your abdomen. The process takes about 30 minutes before you drain the solution into a bag. You must perform CAPD between three and five times each day.

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). This type uses a machine to automatically add dialysate to your peritoneum and drain it. Each session consists of three to five exchanges. Most people perform APD while they’re asleep.

Before you start peritoneal dialysis, a provider will surgically insert a permanent soft tube (catheter) into your abdomen. They’ll teach you how to add the dialysate and later drain the solution through the catheter.

How long does dialysis last?

It depends on the type of dialysis.

In-center hemodialysis takes about three to four hours to complete, and you’ll likely need it at least three times per week. Depending on the type of at-home hemodialysis, you may need it three to seven days per week, and sessions may last between three and eight hours.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis usually takes about 40 minutes, and you’ll likely need three to five sessions each day. Automated peritoneal dialysis may take eight to 12 hours, and you may need to do it every day.

What are the risks or complications of dialysis?

Both types of dialysis have risks. They both increase your risk of infection.

Hemodialysis may eventually lead to poor blood flow or a blockage from scar tissue or a blood clot. Rarely, the dialysis needle may come out of your arm, or a tube may dislodge from the machine. But a detection system will temporarily shut down the machine and alert medical staff to protect you from blood loss.

Peritoneal dialysis increases your risk of peritoneum inflammation (peritonitis). Over time, it can weaken your abdominal muscles and increase your risk of developing a hernia.

Talk to a healthcare provider about the complete list of risks or complications for each type of dialysis.

Is dialysis painful?

You may feel a slight pinch during hemodialysis when a healthcare provider inserts a needle. But the process isn’t painful.

Peritoneal dialysis isn’t painful. But the dialysate in your abdomen can make you feel bloated, cold and uncomfortable.

Recovery and Outlook

What is life expectancy on dialysis?

Life expectancy varies from person to person, with some people living for many years on dialysis. Your outlook depends on many factors, including:

Your age

Your overall health

The cause of your kidney failure

If you get a kidney transplant, you can stop dialysis when your new kidney starts working.