Hemodialysis compared to peritoneal dialysis

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Hemodialysis compared to peritoneal dialysis

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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.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology
Last Updated	November 13, 2007

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Last updated:	November 13, 2007
Author:	Jeannette Curtis
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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