Renal Dialysis & Renal Transplant

What is renal dialysis?

Renal dialysis refers to a treatment that filters and purifies the blood in cases where the kidneys are unable to perform their proper function. A special machine is designed for this purpose.

How does it work?

The most common type of dialysis is known as haemodialysis. This method makes use of a machine that functions like an "artificial kidney", which works to get rid of waste and toxins from the blood. The treatment usually takes about four hours, and may need to be repeated around three times a week, depending on your child’s condition, age and size. Another type of dialysis, called peritoneal dialysis is also used particularly in children. This involves instilling specialised fluid into the abdomen via a catheter. The fluid is able to draw out the toxins in the abdomen, thereafter the fluid is drained via the same catheter, to eliminate these toxins from the body.

What is a renal transplant?

A renal, or kidney transplant, is a procedure that is performed in cases of kidney failure. A kidney from a suitable donor (often a family member) is transplanted into a child to take over the function of the kidneys which have failed.