SEARCH

The kidneys' main job is to clean the blood. They filter wastes and excess fluids from thousands of pints of blood each day. Learn about their other roles as well.

If the kidneys fail, blood is no longer filtered. Though kidney failure has no cure, certain treatments can help keep the body working the best it can.

Hemodialysis is a type of treatment for kidney failure (also called end-stage kidney disease or ESRD). It uses a machine that holds a filter called a dialyzer. As blood flows through the dialyzer, waste is removed and fluid and chemicals are balanced.

Peritoneal dialysis is a way to cleanse the blood to treat kidney failure. It uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, and a special solution (dialysate).

A kidney transplant is the preferred treatment for kidney failure. It is a surgery to place a donated kidney into your body. This kidney takes over the job of filtering your blood. The transplant is the treatment closest to having your own healthy kidney.

A successfully transplanted kidney works like a normal kidney to filter your blood. You won't need dialysis. But you will need to take medicines to keep your new kidney healthy.

Kidney failure and its treatment will mean making some changes. But you can still live a full life with kidney failure. Read on to learn more.

Having kidney failure means many changes in your health and life. It may feel like too much to cope with at times, but you can learn how to deal with these emotions and feel better about your treatment and yourself. Learning as much as you can about kidney failure is a good place to start.

A central line is often used instead of a standard I.V. line when you need treatment for longer than a week or so. The line can send medicine or nutrition right into your bloodstream.