The primary treatments for ESRD are dialysis and kidney transplantation. Dialysis can be performed using two main methods: hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves filtering blood through a machine, while peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood internally.
A kidney transplant offers the potential for a more permanent solution and improved quality of life. However, it requires a compatible donor and lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection.