Hemodialysis compared to peritoneal dialysis
Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are both used to treat kidney failure. Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to filter wastes and remove extra fluid from the blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal membrane) and a salt solution (dialysate) to remove wastes and extra fluid from the body.
Each form of dialysis has its advantages and disadvantages.
Comparison of dialysis methods Hemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis Advantages
- It is done by health professionals, so it may be a good choice if you cannot manage the technical aspects of peritoneal dialysis.
- It can be used even if you have abdominal problems, such as abdominal hernias or adhesions, or active inflammatory bowel disease.
- Contact with health professionals at dialysis center may be reassuring.
- Contact with other people having dialysis may help give you emotional support.
- It does not cause rapid changes in blood pressure or in the electrolytes in the blood.
- It does not require the use of anticoagulants. This may make peritoneal dialysis a better option if you have bleeding problems or are taking medicines that interfere with blood clotting.
- It allows you to maintain an active lifestyle. This type of dialysis can be performed at home and at night and does not require a trip to a hospital or dialysis treatment center.
Disadvantages
- It needs to be done at a hospital or dialysis center. It usually is done 3 days a week and takes 3 to 5 hours a day.
- It causes you to feel tired on the day of the treatments.
- It can cause bloodstream infections.
- It may be complicated by blood clot formation in the dialysis access.
- It must be done every day of the week.
- Infection of the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis) is a common complication.
- You may not be able to manage the technical aspects of the procedure, or you may not have someone who can help you.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: November 13, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology | |
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