When our kidneys stop working properly, they can’t remove waste, extra salt, and excess water from the body. This buildup can be harmful and even life-threatening. That’s where dialysis comes in—a treatment that takes over the kidney’s job of cleaning the blood.

Dialysis has saved millions of lives worldwide, but for many people who are new to the process, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dialysis—what it is, the different types, how it works, and the possible risks. Our goal is to make this medical process easy to understand, so you can feel more confident and informed.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that does the work normally handled by healthy kidneys. The kidneys act like filters: they clean the blood, remove waste products, and balance fluid levels in the body. When someone has chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure, these organs can’t do their job effectively.

Dialysis steps in to:

• Remove waste, toxins, and excess fluids

• Keep blood pressure balanced

• Regulate essential minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium

It’s not a cure for kidney disease. Instead, it helps people live longer and healthier lives while waiting for a kidney transplant or, in some cases, for the rest of their lives.

Why Do People Need Dialysis?

Dialysis becomes necessary when kidneys lose about 85–90% of their function. Doctors may recommend it for:

• End-stage kidney disease (stage 5 CKD)

• Severe injury to the kidneys (acute kidney failure)

• Certain cases of poisoning when harmful substances must be removed from the blood

Some common symptoms that may indicate the need for dialysis include:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

• Extreme fatigue or weakness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Trouble breathing due to fluid buildup

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Types of Dialysis

There are two main types of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. Both achieve the same goal—filtering the blood—but they do it in different ways.

1. Hemodialysis

This is the most common type of dialysis. It uses a machine to filter blood outside the body.

How it works:
  a. A special access point, called a fistula or graft, is created in the patient’s arm through minor surgery.
  b. Blood flows from the body into the dialysis machine.
  c. Inside the machine, a filter called a dialyzer cleans the blood by removing waste and extra fluid.
  d. The cleaned blood is returned to the body.

Duration & Frequency:
  a. Usually done 3 times a week
  b. Each session lasts 3–5 hours

Where it happens:
  a. Mostly at hospitals or dialysis centers
  b. Some patients can do it at home with the right training and equipment

Advantages:
  a. Professionally supervised by healthcare staff
  b. Efficient at cleaning the blood
  c. Only required a few times a week

Disadvantages:
  a. Time-consuming sessions
  c. Can cause fatigue afterward
  d. Requires travel if not done at home

2. Peritoneal Dialysis

This type doesn’t require a machine to filter blood outside the body. Instead, it uses the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter.

How it works:
   a. A soft tube called a catheter is surgically placed in the abdomen.
   b. A cleansing fluid (dialysate) is put into the abdominal cavity through the catheter.
   c. Waste products and extra fluid from the blood pass into the dialysate through the peritoneal membrane.
   d. After a few hours, the used fluid is drained out and replaced with fresh fluid.

Types of Peritoneal Dialysis:
   a. Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): Done manually 3–5 times a day, without a machine.
   b. Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): Done at night using a machine while the patient sleeps.

Advantages: 
    a. Can be done at home, at work, or even while traveling
    b. Offers more flexibility in daily life
    c. No need for regular hospital visits

Disadvantages:
    a. Must be done every day
    b. Risk of infection in the abdomen (peritonitis)
    c. Requires the patient or caregiver to learn the process carefully

What to Expect During the Procedure

For many people, dialysis becomes part of everyday life. Here’s what you can expect for each type:

Hemodialysis Procedure
  a. Preparation: Blood pressure, weight, and temperature are checked. 
  b. Access Point: Needles are inserted into the fistula or graft. 
  c. Blood Cleaning: The machine filters blood, usually over 3–5 hours.
  d. Completion: Needles are removed, and the patient can return home.

Patients may feel tired after sessions, but many adjust to the routine over time.

Peritoneal Dialysis Procedure
  a. Fluid Exchange: Dialysate is introduced into the abdomen through the catheter.
  b. Dwell Time: The fluid stays in the abdomen for several hours, absorbing waste.
  c. Drainage: The used fluid is drained, and fresh fluid is added.
  d. Frequency: CAPD requires multiple exchanges daily, while APD is automated overnight.

The process is gentler than hemodialysis, but it requires daily commitment.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any medical treatment, dialysis carries some risks. These risks vary depending on the type of dialysis.

Risks of Hemodialysis   
  a. Low blood pressure (hypotension): Can cause dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
  b. Muscle cramps: Due to rapid fluid removal.
  c. Infections: At the site of fistula or graft.
  d. Blood clots: Can block access points.
  e. Fatigue: Feeling weak after sessions.

Risks of Peritoneal Dialysis   
  a. Infection (peritonitis): The most common risk. Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, and cloudy drainage fluid. 
  b. Hernias: Strain on abdominal muscles due to fluid.
  c. Weight gain: From sugar in the dialysis solution.
  d. Catheter problems: Blockage or leakage.

Lifestyle and Dialysis

Living with dialysis means adjusting daily routines, but many patients live active lives. Here are some important lifestyle factors:

Diet and Fluid Control
  a. Limit salt, potassium, and phosphorus intake
  b. Reduce fluid intake to prevent swelling and high blood pressure
  c. Work with a dietitian to create a kidney-friendly meal plan

Exercise 
  a. Light activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can help improve energy and mood
  b. Always consult a doctor before starting new exercises

Emotional Health

Dialysis can feel overwhelming at first. Support groups, counseling, and talking with family members can help patients cope better.

Travel

Patients on peritoneal dialysis can carry equipment with them. Hemodialysis patients can schedule sessions at centers in different cities with prior planning.

Alternatives to Dialysis

The only permanent alternative to dialysis is a kidney transplant, where a healthy kidney from a donor is surgically placed in the patient’s body. However, transplants are not suitable for everyone, and waiting times can be long.

For some patients with severe illness or older age, doctors may recommend conservative management—focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than dialysis.

Key Takeaways
  a. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with severe kidney problems.
  b. Two main types exist: Hemodialysis (machine-based) and Peritoneal Dialysis (uses the abdominal lining).
  c. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on medical advice, lifestyle, and patient preference.
  d. Risks include infection, low blood pressure, fatigue, and other complications, but careful monitoring helps reduce these.
  e. With proper care, patients on dialysis can still lead active, fulfilling lives.

Conclusion

Dialysis may sound intimidating at first, but understanding how it works can make the journey less stressful. Whether through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, this treatment acts as a lifeline for millions of people with kidney failure. While it’s not a cure, it provides precious time—time to enjoy life, connect with loved ones, and, in many cases, wait for a kidney transplant.

At ITM Hospital, we are committed to offering world-class dialysis care with advanced facilities, expert nephrologists, and a patient-first approach. Our goal is not only to provide safe and effective treatment but also to support patients emotionally and physically throughout their journey.

If you or your loved one is considering dialysis or in need of ongoing treatment, ITM Hospital is here for you—offering 24/7 dialysis care with compassion and expertise at every step of the way.

Thank you for reading our blog—we hope this guide gave you clarity and confidence about dialysis. Stay healthy, stay informed!