Dialysis Treatments and Services
When your child’s kidneys do not work well, waste can build up in their body. Sick kidneys can raise blood pressure, cause swelling from extra fluid, and make it harder to make red blood cells.
To help your child overcome these challenges, our dialysis experts offer a comprehensive range of advanced treatments tailored to their unique needs.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a treatment that replaces the function of the kidneys for patients with kidney failure, cleaning your child’s blood by removing excess fluid and waste. The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis (HD)
Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis, delivered in our Dialysis Unit or to inpatients during their hospital stay.
For this therapy, we use a dialysis machine to:
- Remove your child’s blood with a catheter placed in a large blood vessel in their chest
- Clean their blood and remove fluid through a filter (a dialyzer)
- Return the cleaned blood to their body
Hemodialysis is performed in a clinic under the supervision of a nurse and kidney specialist, including a physician or nurse practitioner. Hemodialysis generally requires three to four treatments a week. Each treatment can take three to four hours to complete.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your child’s belly as a natural filter instead of cleaning blood through a machine. We place a soft tube in your child’s belly during a simple surgery. This lets a special fluid, called dialysate, flow in and out and help clean the blood.
With peritoneal dialysis, your child can get treatment safely at home. Before beginning treatment at home, our peritoneal dialysis nurses and social workers will visit your home to help you prepare. If this option is right for your family, we will teach you how to use the dialysis machine, called a cycler. We will also connect you with support services to help along the way.
KIDNEE Buddy Program
The KIDNEE Buddy Program connects children receiving dialysis with volunteer medical school students who serve as supportive “buddies” during treatment. These buddies spend time with patients during dialysis, playing games, talking, or simply being present, helping make long treatment days feel more comfortable and engaging.
For patients and families, the program provides added emotional support and connection during a difficult time. For medical students, it offers meaningful exposure to pediatric nephrology and the lived experience of chronic illness, helping shape compassionate, patient centered physicians.
The KIDNEE Buddy Program reflects our Dialysis Unit’s commitment to caring for the whole child and family, supporting not only medical needs, but also the experience of care.
Transplant Services
There is no cure for kidney failure. For many children, a kidney transplant is the best treatment. After a transplant, your child will need regular checkups and daily medicine to stay healthy.
Not every child is a good candidate for a kidney transplant. We do a full evaluation to see if it’s the right choice for your child. During this process, you will meet with your child’s care team, including a transplant surgeon, nephrologist, social worker, pharmacist, dietitian, psychologist and financial counselor. Together, we create a clear plan for your child.
