Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the process of drawing a patient’s blood into a dialysis machine to remove toxic substances, then returning the cleaned blood back to the patient. Blood taken through a fistula or catheter passes through filters called dialyzers inside the dialysis machine. The toxins to be removed from the body pass into the dialysis fluid located outside the filter and are thus eliminated from the blood. After filtration, the blood—balanced in fluid and solute content—is returned to the patient via a vein. The doctor determines how many sessions per week and how long each session will be, based on the patient’s physiological needs.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Instead of a filter, the patient’s own peritoneal membrane (abdominal lining) can be used to remove waste from the blood. This treatment method is called peritoneal dialysis (also known as abdominal dialysis).

During peritoneal dialysis, a tube (peritoneal catheter) is inserted into the abdominal cavity. Dialysis fluid from a sterile, specially prepared bag is introduced into the abdomen through this catheter. The small catheter does not cause discomfort to the patient. While the dialysis fluid remains inside, harmful substances in the blood pass through the abdominal membrane into the dialysis fluid. After some time, this used fluid is drained and replaced with a fresh dialysis solution. By repeating this cycle, the patient’s blood is gradually purified.

Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is defined as transferring a healthy kidney from a living donor or a deceased donor (cadaver) to replace the non-functioning kidney in the patient’s body. This allows the patient to regain normal kidney function and live a healthy life again.