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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffHemodialysis is the most common way to treat advanced, permanent kidney failure. The procedure helps hundreds of thousands of people live, work and enjoy hobbies despite failing kidneys. During hemodialysis, a machine does some of the work healthy kidneys normally perform by filtering harmful wastes, salts and fluid from your blood that would normally be eliminated in your urine.
There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both types require you to follow a strict treatment schedule, take medications regularly and, often, make changes in your diet. Hemodialysis is a serious responsibility, but you don't have to shoulder it alone. You'll work closely with your health care team, which will include a kidney specialist and other professionals with experience managing hemodialysis.
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