The average life expectancy on dialysis ranges from a few years to several decades, depending on whether or not the treatment is regular, the number of complications, and self-management.
Dialysis includes hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, both of which aim at removing metabolic wastes from the body and correcting disorders of water-electrolyte-acid-base balance. Hemodialysis is usually performed 2 to 3 times for 4 hours each time, and peritoneal dialysis is usually performed by instilling 1 to 2L of peritoneal dialysis fluid into the abdominal cavity each time, staying in the abdomen for 1 to 2 hours, with continuous treatment for 8 to 12 hours, and 7 dialysis days per week.
Regardless of the modality, the average life expectancy of dialysis ranges from a few years to a few decades. If patients are treated regularly, have fewer complications, and have a stronger sense of self-management, and their blood pressure and glucose, calcium and phosphorus are controlled within the target range, they will have a relatively long life expectancy on dialysis; conversely, if patients are not treated actively, have more complications, and have a poor sense of self-management, they will have a relatively short life expectancy on dialysis.
Dialysis patients should go to the hospital regularly and adjust their treatment plan under the guidance of professional physicians.