Dialysis Treatment
There are two main types of dialysis - Haemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis
Haemodialysis
In Haemodialysis, otherwise known as artificial kidney, your blood is pumped through a tube into a machine which filters out waste products. Your cleansed blood is then returned to your body. This needs to be done three times a week for between 4 - 8 hours at a time.
Haemodialysis facilities are available at most hospitals in New Zealand, with Home Haemodialysis another option to consider, this is paid for by your local District Health Board.
Peritoneal Dialysis
In Peritonal Dialysis, a special solution of salt water is put into your abdominal cavity around your intestine through a tube. The solution is left there for a while to allow waste products to diffuse into it, after which it is removed through a tube.
The choice of haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis depends upon many factors including the availability of resources, your age, your overall health and lifestyle. You will need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each type of dialysis in consultation with the clinical team caring for you.