Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste and excess fluid from the blood for people with kidney failure. There are two main types - hemodialysis which uses a machine to filter the blood outside of the body, and peritoneal dialysis which uses the lining of the abdomen. Dialysis is needed when the kidneys are no longer able to properly clean the blood and regulate chemicals and fluid levels. Risks include low blood pressure, infection, and neurological issues from chemicals in the dialysis fluid.