How is it performed? of Dialysis

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There are two main types of dialysis- haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Haemodialysis:

In haemodialysis, blood is taken (via a needle inserted into a blood vessel) through a machine, containing an artificial filter. After passing through the filter, it returns back into the your bloodstream, via another needle. In other words, you are connected to an â€˜artificial kidneyâ€™. This contains a membrane, which allows some molecules to pass through whilst others are held back.

Peritoneal dialysis:

Peritoneal dialysis relies on the natural filtering ability of the internal lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum). Fluid is inserted from a closed bag into your abdomen, via an artificial tube connection (a catheter). It is left there for a few hours to allow the filtering to happen naturally, and then taken out again via the tube. Fluids of varying concentrations and molecule size allow different components and volumes of body fluid to be removed.

Both forms of dialysis require a way of â€˜accessingâ€™ the inside of a person. For haemodialysis, an operation is needed to create a large blood vessel, usually in your arm. This is then used for inserting the necessary needles to connect to the artificial kidney.

Peritoneal dialysis involves a different operation where a tube (catheter) is inserted into your abdomen, with one end inside, and the other end going through the muscle and skin layers, to the outside. This is kept closed off except when fluid is being put in, or taken out of, the abdomen.

Our kidneys work continuously. Haemodialysis is usually needed for 3-4 hours three times per week. Peritoneal dialysis can be done 3-5 times per day and/or overnight.