Dialysis is a life-sustaining procedure for patients experiencing kidney failure. Dialysis removes the waste products and extra fluid that accumulate when kidneys stop working. Dialysis also helps normalize many of the chemical imbalances that accompany kidney failure.
There are two types of dialysis - hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- Hemodialysis removes extra fluid, chemicals and wastes from the blood by filtering the blood through an artificial kidney (dialyzer).
- Peritoneal dialysis uses a patient's own peritoneal membrane (the thin lining in the abdomen that coats the outer surface of the intestines) to remove waste products and balance fluids.
Acute hemodialysis services are provided for inpatients at Immanuel St. Joseph's under the direction of a nephrologist.
Chronic hemodialysis services are provided for patients diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease as initiated by the nephrologist.
The dialysis units are located in Mankato and New Ulm. These on-going services are provided to patients 18 and older who live in the region.
Call: 507-385-2666
