How does peritoneal dialysis differ from hemodialysis?

January 18, 2025

The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution™ By Shelly Manning The information provided in this write-up about The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution, a guide, helps in motivating people to get rid of the chronic problems on their kidneys without using any harmful methods. It eliminates your kidney problem by focusing on the poor health of your gut and inflammation.


How does peritoneal dialysis differ from hemodialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) are both methods used to filter waste products and excess fluids from the body when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function. However, they differ in terms of the method of filtration, the equipment used, and the treatment process. Here are the key differences:

1. Method of Filtration

  • Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered outside the body through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) that removes waste and excess fluid before returning the cleaned blood to the body.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: The peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen) acts as a natural filter. A dialysis solution is infused into the abdominal cavity, and waste products and excess fluids diffuse into the solution, which is then drained from the abdomen.

2. Location of Treatment

  • Hemodialysis: Usually performed in a dialysis center under the supervision of healthcare professionals, although home hemodialysis is also an option.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: Can be done at home, often more independently by the patient, although some types may still require medical supervision.

3. Frequency and Duration of Treatment

  • Hemodialysis: Typically done three times a week, with each session lasting 3–5 hours.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: Can be done multiple times a day (e.g., 4–5 exchanges of dialysis solution) or continuously overnight, depending on the type of PD used.

4. Equipment Used

  • Hemodialysis: Requires a machine (dialyzer) and access to the bloodstream, usually through a fistula, graft, or catheter.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: Requires a catheter placed in the abdomen to introduce and drain the dialysis fluid. No external machine is necessary for the manual form (CAPD), but automated machines are used for APD.

5. Blood Access

  • Hemodialysis: Requires access to the blood vessels, often through an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, AV graft, or central venous catheter.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: Requires a catheter implanted in the abdomen but does not involve direct access to blood vessels.

6. Risk of Infection

  • Hemodialysis: There’s a risk of infection at the vascular access site (e.g., fistula or catheter).
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: There’s a risk of infection in the peritoneum, called peritonitis, which can result from improper handling of the dialysis equipment or the catheter.

7. Fluid Removal

  • Hemodialysis: Fluid is removed mechanically by the dialysis machine, which filters blood through a dialyzer.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: Fluid removal occurs via diffusion and osmosis between the dialysis solution and the blood vessels in the peritoneum. Excess fluid is absorbed by the dialysis solution and then drained out.

8. Effectiveness

  • Hemodialysis: Generally more effective at quickly removing waste and excess fluids compared to peritoneal dialysis, making it a preferred option for patients with severe kidney failure.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: Effective over a longer period of time but may not remove waste products as efficiently as hemodialysis, especially in more severe cases of kidney failure.

9. Lifestyle Impact

  • Hemodialysis: Requires visits to a clinic or dialysis center, which can interfere with work or daily activities. Some patients may also experience fatigue or low blood pressure during or after sessions.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: Offers more flexibility as it can be done at home and allows for more independence. However, it requires regular exchanges of fluid and careful monitoring for signs of infection or complications.

10. Patient Control

  • Hemodialysis: Less control for the patient, as the procedure is performed by healthcare professionals at a clinic.
  • Peritoneal Dialysis: More control for the patient, who can manage their own treatment schedule, although this also requires careful education and responsibility to ensure proper technique.

In summary, the choice between peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis depends on several factors, including medical condition, lifestyle preferences, and the patient’s ability to manage treatment.

The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution™ By Shelly Manning The information provided in this write-up about The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution, a guide, helps in motivating people to get rid of the chronic problems on their kidneys without using any harmful methods. It eliminates your kidney problem by focusing on the poor health of your gut and inflammation.