Does dialysis cure kidney failure?

A Answers (2)

  • Dialysis does not cure kidney failure, but in certain cases it may reverse this condition and restore normal kidney function. There are two types of kidney failure: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure develops suddenly and is usually the result of another underlying disease. Dialysis can be used to treat acute kidney failure until normal kidney function is restored. In this case, the kidney failure is reversible.

    Another type of kidney failure, chronic kidney failure, develops over a long period of time, even years. This type of kidney failure is usually advanced and permanent, and dialysis is recommended when only 10%-15% of kidney function remains. In this case, dialysis is most likely a long-term treatment and cannot reverse kidney failure.

  • AJeanne Morrison, PhD, Family Medicine, answered

    Dialysis does take on some of the job of a healthy kidney but cannot cure kidney disease.  If you have end stage renal failure you will need dialysis treatment for the rest of our life unless you receive a kidney transplant.


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