WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that helps filter waste products from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to filter wastes and remove extra fluid from the blood. It is usually done in a hospital or outpatient dialysis center 3 times a week.
  • Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal membrane) and a salt solution (dialysate) to remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. Treatment can be done at home over several sessions each day or for several hours at night.
Author Jeannette Curtis
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC
- Nephrology
Last Updated November 13, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 13, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.