What method is primarily used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease?

Hemodialysis is the primary method used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) because it directly filters the blood to remove waste products, excess fluids, and toxins when the kidneys can no longer perform this function adequately. Patients with ESRD no longer have the ability to effectively maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes necessary for overall health, making hemodialysis a critical intervention.

During hemodialysis, blood is drawn from the patient and passed through a dialysis machine, which contains a special filter called a dialyzer. This process replicates the filtration action of healthy kidneys, helping to clear harmful substances from the bloodstream and maintain metabolic balance.

While other treatment options like kidney transplantation and peritoneal dialysis are also important and are used frequently, hemodialysis remains the most common and immediate treatment for many patients diagnosed with ESRD, especially in cases where a transplant is not immediately available or when patients are not suitable candidates for surgery. Ablation therapy is not applicable as it is primarily used in the context of tumor treatment and does not address the underlying issues associated with renal failure.