When you are told you need to have a dialysis access placed, it means your kidneys can no longer do their job. You will need regular dialysis treatment so that you may live.
Before you begin treatment, you will need surgery to place some type of access, whether you choose hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). An HD access (fistula, graft, or catheter) enables blood to exit and re-enter the body continually to be cleaned by the dialysis machine. A PD access allows dialysate fluid to enter and exit your peritoneum and does not involve accessing your veins.
More:
https://www.rsnhope.org/health-library/why-you-need-the-right-dialysis-access/