Dialysis treatment options for patients with kidney disease

Find out which form of treatment appeals to you and discuss your options with your doctor
If you need dialysis, you may be able to choose your place of treatment. For many patients, the treatment can be integrated in their daily life at home, while others prefer being treated in a dialysis clinic.
Treatment types
If your kidneys fail, three basic types of treatment are available:
- Hemodialysis,
- Peritoneal dialysis and
- Transplantation
All three types of treatment have been, and are, put to successful use all over the world.
Hemodialysis (HD)


Peritoneal dialysis (PD)


Transplantation


Treatment locations
Dialysis can be administered at a hospital, a medical facility or at home. Both Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis can be provided at either a medical facility or in the familiar surroundings of your home. In-center dialysis gives you the certainty that doctors and caregivers will supervise your regular dialysis sessions, which will usually take place 2-3 times per week in the clinic. Home dialysis gives you the opportunity to complete your dialysis treatment more flexibly and at a time and place of your convenience, leaving you with more quality time.


Peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home
PD uses your body’s own peritoneal membrane within the abdomen as the filter to clean your blood. This procedure is quite gentle and can be self-administered at home or on the move. PD treatment is usually performed on a daily basis and integrated in an active life at a place of your preference.
Learn more about the different forms of dialysis and discuss which of these options is the most suitable for you with your doctor.
Your life. Your therapy. Your options.
Home patients care
Fresenius Medical Care, a global leader in dialysis, offers reliable and proven dialysis products at the highest of standards.
We offer the following services and support for patients on courses of home treatment (depending on the local availability and legislation):
- Home delivery
- Training materials for patients
- Living with home treatments guide
- Kidney Options: explaining dialysis options
- At-home installation
- Technical service to home devices
- Patient satisfaction survey
- NephroCare clinics
- Travel service for dialysis patients
Frequently asked questions about dialysis
Will my kidney cure when I get dialysis?
Dialysis is a procedure that can replace the two most important kidney functions: removal of excess body water and removal of waste products that have built up in the blood.
Dialysis is not a cure.
Do I have to stop working?
You can generally return to work or continue education while on dialysis, depending on your individual medical situation. If you are treated in a dialysis center, you will be given a treatment plan that fits your work or education schedule. Another alternative is home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, which allow for more flexibility in schedules.
Is dialysis painful?
During dialysis you may feel a pinch when each of the needles go in. There are skin numbing drugs that can help. The rest of your dialysis treatment should not hurt. If it does, tell your staff member so they can fix it.
What can I drink and eat as a dialysis patient?
You will need to follow a special diet. There are different diets for PD and HD patients. Ask your nephrologist for advice.
Can I do sport?
Patients should be active in sport and take part in games, as a reasonable sportive exercise helps you stay healthy and feel good. In any case, seek advice from your doctor before beginning with a sports activity.