Hemodialysis. Blood is pumped through a filter that removes wastes and fluids,
usually 3 treatments per week in a dialysis center. A small percentage of patients
will do this therapy at home with a trained partner.
Peritoneal dialysis. Dialysate is instilled into the peritoneum using a catheter
inserted through the abdominal wall. Wastes and fluids are exchanged, fluid is
drained out, and new fluid is instilled. Can be done manually or by a machine.
Transplant. Patients go through an intensive work up to become eligible as a
transplant recipient. They are put on a waiting list (sometimes for more than 3
years) waiting to receive a kidney. There are deceased donor (cadaver), living
related, and non-living related donor programs.
No therapy. The patient may choose no therapy at all, in which case, they will
eventually die. Patient and family counseling is important to be sure that everyone
understands the implication of this choice