Basics
Treatment options for kidney failure
Haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation and comprehensive conservative care.
Four main paths
Treatment options for kidney failure include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation, and comprehensive conservative care without dialysis or transplantation for some people after a joint decision. The meaning of “best” varies depending on health, home support, employment, housing, training capacity, goals, and local availability.
Hemodialysis
The blood passes through a filter outside the body and then returns to it. It can be performed in a center or at home after training, and requires appropriate vascular access. Session schedule, transportation and treatment time affect daily life, and fluids and nutrition need an individual plan.
Peritoneal dialysis
The abdominal lining is used as a filtering membrane through a catheter, and exchanges are performed manually or with a device. It may give some people household flexibility, but it requires training, cleanliness, space for supplies, and monitoring for signs of infection.
Kidney transplantation and conservative care
Transplantation is a different path that requires medical and surgical evaluation, and is not suitable for everyone. Conservative care focuses on symptoms, quality of life, and support without dialysis or transplantation. Any discussion of these options does not mean stopping existing treatment without the team.
Questions to help you decide
- How will each choice impact my day, work, family, and commute?
- What training and support is required at home?
- When should vascular access, peritoneal dialysis catheterization, or culture evaluation be planned?
- Who do I contact when I have a problem, and what are the signs that require urgent help?
- Do I need an opinion from a dietitian, social worker or transplant team?
Sources
Key points
- Haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation and comprehensive conservative care.