Dialysis is the process of removing nitrogenous wastes and excess water from the body by using a clinical device, called as artificial kidney and a dialyzing fluid. When kidney function decreases to a critical level or complications arise, a person may need to start dialysis.
There are two main types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis uses a machine and a filter to remove waste products and water from the blood.
Peritoneal dialysis uses a fluid (dialysate) that is placed into the patient's abdominal cavity to remove waste products and fluid from the body.
