Dialysis
Dialysis takes over lost kidney function caused by kidney failure. Dialysis may also be used for patients who have experienced sudden but temporary loss of kidney function (renal failure). Dialysis may even be used for quite stable patients who have permanently lost kidney function through disease. Healthy kidneys maintain the body's internal equilibrium of water and minerals and remove impurities from the blood that build up due to our metabolism. Dialysis is not a perfect replacement for the kidney, because it does not simulate its endocrine functions (secretion of hormones). Dialysis only replicates the kidney's waste removal and fluid removal functions. Eventually, a person on dialysis will need a kidney transplant.
All Dr Foster health content is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional, or relied upon as a source of comprehensive practitioner material.
All Dr Foster health content has been peer reviewed by GPs and is updated anually when necessary.
Dr Foster is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made or treatment given by a user based on the content of the supplied health content. Dr Foster is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.
Always consult your own GP if you are concerned about your health.