Dialysis
Dialysis is a treatment that does the work of failing kidneys by filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. It is used in kidney failure, either to maintain health while awaiting a transplant or as a long-term treatment. The two main types are hemodialysis, which filters blood through a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the abdomen.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
When kidneys fail, waste products, salts and fluid build up in the blood to dangerous levels. Dialysis removes them artificially. In hemodialysis, blood is drawn from the body, passed through a filter (dialyzer) in a machine that cleans it, and returned — usually three times a week in sessions of several hours, at a dialysis unit or, in some programs, at home. Reliable access to the bloodstream is needed, most often through a fistula created by joining an artery and vein in the arm in a minor procedure.
In peritoneal dialysis, a special fluid is run into the abdomen through a soft permanent tube; the thin membrane lining the abdomen (the peritoneum) acts as the filter, and the fluid is later drained away carrying waste with it. It can often be done at home, including overnight, giving more independence. The choice between the two depends on your health, lifestyle and preference.
Dialysis maintains health but does not cure kidney failure; for suitable patients, a kidney transplant is the definitive treatment. International patients — including those travelling who need to continue regular dialysis — receive a coordinator who arranges sessions and a transparent cost estimate, and our nephrologists can review your records to plan care before you arrive.
Who is a candidate?
- People with kidney failure whose kidneys can no longer adequately clean the blood
- Patients with end-stage kidney disease awaiting or being assessed for transplantation
- Those with a sudden, severe drop in kidney function needing temporary support
- Travellers already on regular dialysis who need to continue sessions while abroad
- People choosing between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with their nephrologist
What happens
- 1
Assessment and planning
Your nephrologist reviews kidney function and your overall health to confirm dialysis is needed and to help you choose between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- 2
Creating access
For hemodialysis, a minor procedure creates a fistula or places a catheter; for peritoneal dialysis, a soft tube is placed into the abdomen. These give reliable access for treatment.
- 3
Dialysis sessions
Hemodialysis is usually done about three times a week for several hours each at a unit; peritoneal dialysis exchanges fluid through the abdominal tube, often at home including overnight.
- 4
Ongoing monitoring
Regular blood tests, fluid and dietary guidance, and medication keep treatment effective and safe between sessions, supported by the dialysis team.
- 5
Considering transplantation
Where appropriate, suitability for a kidney transplant — the definitive treatment — is assessed. International patients receive a clear plan for continuing care at home.
Benefits
- Replaces the blood-cleaning function of failed kidneys and is life-sustaining
- Two approaches — hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis — to suit health and lifestyle
- Peritoneal and home hemodialysis options can offer more independence
- Maintains health while awaiting assessment or a kidney transplant
- Supported by dietary, fluid and medication guidance from a dedicated team
Risks & considerations
- Low blood pressure, cramps or tiredness during or after hemodialysis sessions
- Infection at the access site (fistula, catheter or abdominal tube), which is monitored for
- Peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining) as a risk of peritoneal dialysis
- The need to follow fluid and dietary limits between sessions
- Dialysis maintains but does not cure kidney failure; it is ongoing unless transplanted
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Comprehensive Transplant Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Dialysis — frequently asked questions
Dialysis does the work of failing kidneys by removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood, keeping you healthy when your kidneys can no longer clean the blood themselves.
Hemodialysis filters your blood through a machine, usually about three times a week at a unit. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen as a natural filter, exchanging fluid through a soft tube, often at home. Your nephrologist helps you choose between them.
Yes. We support travellers who need to maintain regular dialysis, arranging sessions around your stay. Share your records in advance so our team can plan your treatment before you arrive.
No. Dialysis maintains health but does not cure kidney failure, so it continues unless your kidney function recovers or you receive a transplant. For suitable patients, a kidney transplant is the definitive treatment.
Cost depends on the type of dialysis and the number of sessions you need. Your coordinator provides a transparent, itemized estimate and schedules sessions around your stay, rather than quoting a fixed online price, because each plan is individual.
Related treatments
Considering dialysis?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.