Your kidneys filter wastes from your blood and regulate other functions of your body. When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work of healthy kidneys to survive. | Kidney Failure CHOOSING A TR E ATMENT THAT’ S RI G H TF O RYO U i Kidney Failure CHOOSING A TR E ATMENT THAT’ S RI G H TF O RYO U National Institutes of Health National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Co n t e n t s Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 When Your Kidneys Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Treatment Choice: Hemodialysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Treatment Choice: Peritoneal Dialysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Treatment Choice: Kidney Transplantation . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 Treatment Choice: Refusing or Withdrawing From Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Paying for Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 In t ro d u c t i o n Your kidneys filter wastes from your blood and regulate other functions of your body. When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work of healthy kidneys to survive. Developing kidney failure means that you have some decisions to make about your treatment. If you choose to receive treat- ment, your choices are hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Each of them has advantages and dis- advantages. You may also choose to forgo treatment. By learning about your choices, you can work with your doctor to decide what’s best for you. No matter which treatment you choose, you’ll need to make some changes in your life, including how you eat and plan your activities. But with the help of your health care team, family, and friends, you can lead a full, active life. When Your Kidneys Fai l Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals, and wastes. They also make .
