International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Dialysis serves as a life-sustaining renal replacement therapy (RRT) for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe acute kidney injury (AKI). By replicating the filtration functions of the kidney, dialysis manages metabolic waste removal, electrolyte balance, and fluid homeostasis. However, the procedure is associated with significant physiological stress and a unique profile of complications ranging from intradialytic hypotension to long-term systemic issues. This review provides a concise overview of dialysis modalities, their underlying mechanisms, common clinical complications, and strategies for optimizing patient outcomes through advanced monitoring and personalized care. The development of dialysis by early pioneers such as Willem Kolff and Belding Scribner set in motion several dramatic changes in the epidemiology, economics and ethical frameworks for the treatment of kidney failure. However, despite a rapid expansion in the provision of dialysis particularly haemodialysis and most notably in high-income countries (HICs) the rate of true patient-centred innovation has slowed. Current trends are particularly concerning from a global perspective: current costs are not sustainable, even for HICs, and globally, most people who develop kidney failure forego treatment, resulting in millions of deaths every year. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new approaches and dialysis modalities that are cost-effective, accessible and offer improved patient outcomes. Nephrology researchers are increasingly engaging with patients to determine their priorities for meaningful outcomes that should be used to measure progress. The overarching message from this engagement is that while patients value longevity, reducing symptom burden and achieving maximal functional and social rehabilitation are prioritized more highly.

Luv Kush, Manish Singh, Fahad Shahab, Md.Kaif, Nakul Gupta, Vishnu Prabhakar,"Comprehensive Review of Dialysis: Mechanisms & Complications" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(3): Page(76-82) May-June 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.