Dialysis

The Aurora Dialysis Center offers comprehensive treatment and support for people with chronic kidney disease

Dialysis helps you manage your body so you can maintain your active lifestyle.

Why Dialysis?

Dialysis performs the functions of natural kidneys when your kidneys can no longer do the job. Most individuals begin dialysis when their kidneys are functioning at about 10 to 15%. Depending on the reasons your kidneys are malfunctioning, you may be on dialysis temporarily, or until you can receive a kidney transplant.

There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common method for managing advanced kidney failure. Hemodialysis is typically done at a dialysis center or hospital, but it may be done at home with assistance. It is most commonly done three times a week. 

Each session can take from 2 to 4 hours depending on factors such as how much your kidneys are functioning, your body size, how much fluid weight you’ve gained since the last treatment, the amount of waste, and the levels of sodium, potassium and chloride in your body.

Hemodialysis functions to:

  • Control your blood pressure
  • Keep your salt levels balanced
  • Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood

Dialysis does not cause pain. If you receive dialysis via needle, a topical anesthetic will be applied before needle insertion.

Typically, before beginning hemodialysis, depending on the length of time over which you may undergo dialyses, you may have a dialysis line inserted into a large vein to facilitate blood flow from your body to the machine and back.

If you will be on hemodialysis for an extended period, your doctor may insert a shunt or a fistula, which makes access to a large vein easier. Because fistulas may need as long as 2 to 3 months to fully heal before they can be used, they are not used if dialysis treatment is temporary.

Dialysis line and fistula insertion is typically a minimally invasive out-patient surgery. Their use minimizes the need for multiple needle insertions and preserves your veins.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is another way to remove waste from your blood when your kidneys cannot. With peritoneal dialysis, the blood vessels in your abdominal lining—the peritoneum—takes the place of your kidneys. During treatment, a cleansing fluid flows into and out of your abdomen via a catheter to aid in the waste removal process.

An advantage of peritoneal dialysis is that treatment is portable—you can self-administer treatment at work, at home, and when traveling.

Aurora Dialysis Services in Green Bay

Aurora Dialysis Center
1751 Deckner Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54302

Phone: (920)465-0430
Fax: (920)465-1311
Map and Driving Directions

Hours of Operation:
Mon : 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tues : 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wed : 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thurs: 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fri : 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat : 6:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Aurora dialysis centers are conveniently located throughout the state. To locate a Wisconsin dialysis center near you, or to schedule an appointment with an Aurora BayCare kidney specialist, please contact us.