Dialysis

Dialysis is a kidney replacement therapy used by ESKD patients when their kidneys stop functioning at a level that is required to sustain life. Dialysis treatments remove waste, salt and extra fluid to prevent them from building up in the body. It also helps control blood pressure.

ENA physicians support 46 dialysis centers throughout our service area. Our care team includes your nephrologist, an interventional nephrologist, advanced practitioners, nurses and technicians.

There are three types of dialysis treatment:

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common method for treating advanced kidney failure. It may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient dialysis clinic. A patient’s blood is circulated through an artificial kidney (hemodialyzer) during which, water and waste products are removed from the body. Treatments are performed 3-4 times weekly and last 4-6 hours each visit.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is a method where your blood is cleaned inside your body. A permanent catheter is placed into your abdomen (near the belly button) and during treatment your abdominal (peritoneal) cavity is slowly filled with a water solution. This solution, called dialysate, cleans the blood by absorbing waste products and excess fluid. This method of dialysis is done in the home and enhances independence by promoting self-care and convenience for the patient.

Home Hemodialysis

Home hemodialysis is the same as hemodialysis, but it is done at home rather than in a dialysis clinic. The patient and the caregiver are trained to perform the treatment at home. Treatments can align with the patient’s daily schedule and allow more independence.