dialysis

dialysis The process of cleansing the blood by passing it through a special machine. Dialysis is necessary when the kidneys are not able to filter the blood. It gives patients with kidney failure a chance to live productive lives. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. A hemodialysis session generally takes about 4 hours, and patients typically visit a dialysis clinic one to three times per week. Peritoneal dialysis allows the patient to do dialysis at home. Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Patients can often choose the type of long-term dialysis that best matches their needs. See also dialysis, peritoneal.