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Renal Dialysis Patient Resources

As part of Texas Children’s Kidney (Renal) Services, we offer the resources in this section to educate and assist our Renal Dialysis patients and their families. Here you will find out about types of dialysis, types of access ports, the Renal Dialysis support team and frequently asked questions. 

Pediatric Dialysis

Dialysis is a medical treatment used when the kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, a condition known as kidney failure, or end stage renal disease. Dialysis helps perform this function by removing toxins, balancing electrolytes and managing fluid levels in the body. 

The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal (PD). 

To receive dialysis, a patient needs a form of vascular access to allow blood or fluids to be safely exchanged. The main types are catheter, fistula and graft.

Learn more: What do your kidneys do PDF (English/Spanish)

What is Hemodialysis? 

Hemodialysis (HD) is the most common form of dialysis. Small tubes connect our patients to the dialysis machine. Blood flows through these tubes to the machine where it is cleaned and refreshed and then sent back to the child’s body. We think of it as a tag-team mission: the kidneys and the machine work together to keep the body feeling its best.

Learn more: 

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers families more flexibilty in terms of time and location of the procedure. It can be done at home, usually at night while the child is sleeping so it doesn’t interfere with daily activities. 

A special cleansing fluid goes into the child’s stomach via a catheter that acts like a magnet, pulling out the toxins from the body. As the fluid drains out, the waste goes with it. 

Caregivers and guardians must have two weeks of hands-on training from our skilled nursing staff before beginning PD. 

Learn more:

Types of Dialysis Access Points

An access point is necessary for our patients to safely receive dialysis. The type to be used – catheter, fistula or graft – is chosen based on the child’s specific situation. 

  • A catheter is a small, special tube that helps your child’s dialysis start right away. 
  • A fistula is a long-term access option because a vein and artery are surgically joined to become a strong and reliable “super vein” for your child’s treatments. 
  • A graft is similar to a fistula but instead uses a special synthetic tube to connect an artery and a vein. 

With each access type, aspects of hygiene and bathing are extremely important.

Learn More:

Your Support System at Texas Children’s Renal Dialysis

Our Renal Dialysis support team is dedicated not only to providing excellent care, but also making sure our patients and families are well informed and supported. Our team consists of advanced practitioner providers, child life specialists, dietitians, psychologist, quality of life specialist, school coordinator and social workers. 

Learn more here about our team

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