If your kidneys are unable to function on their own, you will need dialysis to help flush toxins from your blood to keep your body healthy. Dialysis replaces the function of your kidneys by removing waste and excess fluid from your bloodstream.
Dialysis can be conducted at home or at a treatment center. For those that go to work, school, have children to care for, enjoy active lifestyles or just want more freedom, home dialysis may be a better option. Unfortunately, not all patients are eligible for each treatment method. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your specific condition and determine which treatment option is best.
Hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis
There are two main types of dialysis to treat kidney failure: Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Let’s take a look at their differences below:- Access site Your doctor will create a vascular access site in the arm before hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, requires a catheter, or piece of tubing, placed in your belly.
- Filter Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean the blood, whereas peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly.
- Frequency Peritoneal dialysis offers a more flexible dialysis schedule because you will be trained to administer the treatment at home, on your own schedule. Hemodialysis is usually done 3 times per week on a fairly set schedule.
- Location Hemodialysis is typically done in a treatment center three times per week with each session lasting between four and five hours. By contrast, peritoneal dialysis can be done in the comfort of your home on your schedule.
