Dialysis procedure is used to perform the work that your kidneys are failed to do. The major function of the kidney is to clean the toxins from blood and production of such hormones, which strengthen your bones. Congenital kidney disease, high blood pressure, long-term diabetes or some other conditions could be the reason for kidney failure. Dialysis procedure is actually a life-saving procedure, without which the toxins can accumulate in the blood. The toxins when accumulated could result into death of the patient. When the kidneys perform only 10-15 percent work of their actual capacity, dialysis is needed. Dialysis replaces the work of kidneys.

Dialysis treatment is performed at both a dialysis center and home. A special machine is used during dialysis procedure that takes over the work of kidneys. This machine performs the same function as the kidneys do; removes wastes, salts and excess water from the body. It also helps in controlling blood pressure and maintaining the level of salts in body. Depending upon the person's condition, dialysis may be either temporary or permanent. If the patient is a transplant candidate he has to adopt the dialysis procedure temporarily. In other case the dialysis is a long-life routine.

Two main kinds of dialysis are: peritoneal and hemodialysis. In peritoneal dialysis a glucose-based solution is infused into the abdominal cavity through peritoneal membrane. The solution is drained out of the body after two hours. The patient alone or with a helper can do peritoneal dialysis at home. For this procedure a tube with a titanium plug is placed inside the patients abdomen by a surgeon. To perform the dialysis procedure at home the patient must get the training.

The most familiar procedure of dialysis is hemodialysis. Hemodialysis needs to be performed at a dialysis center or at a hospital. A machine called hemodialyzer is used in this procedure. The machine acts as an artificial kidney and filters the blood. An opening is made in arm or leg of the patient, which allows the blood to circulate through the hemodialyzer. The blood leaves the body via a flexible tube in the veins. Semi-permeable filters filter the blood and after filtration blood returns to the body. It is usually performed three times a week and it takes 3-4 hours to complete the procedure. During dialysis process patients must take care of their diet and take such diet, which is higher in protein. They must avoid minerals that quickly build up in the blood such as potassium and phosphorus. They must limit the fluid intake and avoid salts because they can retain water in the body.

Because of kidney dialysis many people survive even if their kidneys are not functioning. Discuss your doctor before adopting any dialysis procedure.