Hemodialysis Compared to Peritoneal Dialysis
Topic Overview
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
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 most often done by trained health
professionals who can watch for any problems.
- It allows you to be in contact
with other people having dialysis, which may give you emotional support.
- You
don't have to do it yourself, as you do with peritoneal dialysis.
- You do it
for a shorter amount of time and on fewer days each week than peritoneal
dialysis.
|
- It gives you more freedom than
hemodialysis. It can be done at home or in any clean place. You can do it when you travel. You may be able to
do it while you sleep. You can do it by yourself.
- It doesn't require as many food and
fluid restrictions as hemodialysis, and it does not use needles.
|
| Disadvantages |
- It causes you to feel tired on the day
of the treatments.
- It can cause problems such as low blood pressure and blood
clots in the dialysis access.
- It increases your risk of bloodstream
infections.
|
- The procedure may be hard for some
people to do.
- It increases your risk for an infection of the lining of the
belly, called
peritonitis.
|
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Mitchell H. Rosner, MD - Nephrology |
|
Last Revised
|
September 15, 2011 |
Last Revised:
September 15, 2011
