Dialysis is a treatment in which toxic metabolites, ions, and excess water are removed from the blood. There are two types of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. Hemodialysis works by circulating blood outside the body through a filter. Peritoneal Dialysis, on the other hand, takes place inside the body and uses the membrane in your abdominal cavity as a filter for the toxic metabolites, ions, and excess water.
Usually, a person requires dialysis when kidney function is disturbed either acutely (acute renal failure) or chronically (chronic renal failure). However, there are several indications for emergency dialysis:
1) Potassium elevation with EKG changes
2) Toxic ingestion or overdose of drugs/toxins such as Lithium.
3) Toxic uremia with evidence of bleeding disorders, pericarditis, cerebral edema.
4) Fluid overload with unrefractory hypoxia