Dialysis itself does not improve kidney function. Instead, the primary purpose of dialysis is to temporarily replace the filtering function of the kidneys when they are no longer able to effectively remove waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. Dialysis helps maintain the body’s overall balance of electrolytes and fluids and removes toxins that would otherwise build up in the body when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
The potential for improvement in kidney function depends on the underlying cause of kidney damage or failure. In some cases, acute kidney injury (AKI) can lead to temporary kidney dysfunction, and if the underlying cause is treated promptly and effectively, kidney function may recover partially or fully without the need for long-term dialysis.