Healthy kidneys filter the blood and excrete waste toxins as urine. When an individual’s kidneys stop working, toxins and fluid can build up in the body making them very unwell.
Dialysis takes over the job of non-functioning kidneys, removing toxic waste and fluid from patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
People who rely on dialysis often lose their ability to produce urine. As a result, they must limit what they drink. This is because the dialysis machine cannot remove more than three litres of fluid per session. Therefore, we recommend that patients limit their fluid intake to 750ml per day.
You will also need to follow a kidney-friendly diet. This involves limiting your potassium and phosphate intake. At Cromwell Hospital, we can arrange for you to see one of our specialist dieticians for help with this.
Most people require a dialysis session three times a week. Each session lasts for approximately four hours. One of our specialist nurses or kidney consultants will review your case and meet with you to agree the optimal length of time for you, or your relative.
Yes. People who develop severe acute kidney injury will need temporary dialysis while their kidney function recovers. However, for most people, kidney damage is permanent and they will need lifelong dialysis unless they receive a kidney transplant.
Cromwell Hospital
164-178 Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 7460 5700