Treatment Options

A kidney transplant is generally considered the best treatment for most people with kidney failure. However, not everyone is a candidate for a transplant. A donor kidney may not be immediately available. Most people start dialysis while they wait for a donor kidney.

KHSC also offers a Living Kidney Donation program.

Home dialysis allows patients who meet certain criteria to perform dialysis at home, instead of in clinic. This allows patients with kidney disease to enhance their quality of life by offering more flexible care schedules.

Some people are not able to do home dialysis (either PD or home hemodialysis). Instead, they go to a hospital or clinic where a nurse will connect them to the dialysis machine. In-centre dialysis involves travelling at least three times per week to a clinic for your hemodialysis. The time spent on in-centre hemodialysis is typically four hours, not including preparing and coming off the treatment. You’ll also have to plan your week and your activities around your hemodialysis schedule. In addition, you’ll have a more fluid and other dietary restrictions to help limit toxin build-up between dialysis treatments.

There are some cases where in-centre hemodialysis is a better choice. For example, if you are physically or cognitively unable to do dialysis at home or do not have appropriate housing.

The focus of conservative kidney management is on quality of life for the time you have, rather than on trying to live longer. If you choose non-dialysis supportive care, your healthcare team will help you use diet and medication to slow the kidneys’ decline, manage any symptoms you may have and provide support to you and your family.

For more information, speak with your nurse or kidney doctor about Conservative Kidney Management.