Dialysis

Dialysis is a life-sustaining procedure for patients experiencing kidney failure. Dialysis removes the waste products and extra fluid that accumulate when kidneys stop working. Dialysis also helps normalize many of the chemical imbalances that accompany kidney failure.

There are two types of dialysis - hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. 

• Hemodialysis removes extra fluid, chemicals and wastes from the blood by filtering the blood through an artificial kidney (dialyzer).
  • Acute hemodialysis services are provided for inpatients at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato under the direction of a nephrologist.

  • Chronic hemodialysis services are provided for patients diagnosed with end stage renal disease as initiated by the nephrologist. 

• Peritoneal dialysis uses a patient's own peritoneal membrane (the thin lining in the abdomen that coats the outer surface of the intestines) to remove waste products and balance fluids.