Peritoneal Dialysis vs. Hemodialysis

For individuals facing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reaching the stage where dialysis becomes necessary, choosing the right type of treatment is a crucial decision. At Shifa Dialysis, we’re committed to providing our patients with all the information they need to make informed choices about their care. Two primary forms of dialysis treatment are available: peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Each has distinct procedures, advantages, and considerations. Here’s a comprehensive overview to help you understand the differences between these two lifesaving therapies.

The Basics of Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the more traditional form of dialysis and the one most people are familiar with. It involves filtering waste, salt, and extra water from your blood using a dialysis machine and a special filter called a dialyzer.

• Procedure: In hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body, filtered through the dialyzer, and then returned to the body. This process usually takes about four hours and is typically done three times a week at a dialysis center.
• Access Point: Hemodialysis requires access to your bloodstream, typically through a fistula (a connection, surgically made, between an artery and a vein), a graft (a man-made tube inserted into your arm to connect an artery and a vein), or a catheter (a tube inserted into a large vein in your neck or chest).

The Basics of Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is a less common form of dialysis that involves using the lining of your abdomen, or peritoneum, as a natural filter to cleanse the blood.

• Procedure: In PD, a cleansing fluid called dialysate is filled into the abdominal cavity and left there for a period to absorb waste and excess fluids. Afterward, the dialysate drains out of your body, taking the waste with it. This can be done multiple times a day (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, CAPD) or with the assistance of a machine overnight (automated peritoneal dialysis, APD).
• Access Point: Peritoneal dialysis requires a surgical procedure to place a catheter in your abdomen, which serves as an access point for the introduction and removal of dialysate.

Comparing Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis

• Location: Hemodialysis is usually performed in a hospital or dialysis center, while peritoneal dialysis is generally done at home by the patient or a family member.
• Frequency: Hemodialysis typically requires visits to a center three times a week, while peritoneal dialysis is done daily.
• Diet and Fluid Restrictions: There are stricter dietary and fluid restrictions for individuals undergoing hemodialysis compared to those on peritoneal dialysis, due to the less frequent removal of waste.
• Lifestyle Impact: Hemodialysis can be more disruptive to daily life due to the need to travel to a dialysis center, while peritoneal dialysis offers more flexibility and independence as it is usually performed at home.
• Physical Considerations: Some patients may prefer PD if they have problematic vascular access or wish to avoid the minor surgery required to create a fistula or graft for HD. Others may opt for HD if they have had abdominal surgeries that make PD difficult or if they prefer the routine of a dialysis center.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is a personal decision influenced by your medical condition, lifestyle, personal preferences, and social circumstances. At Shifa Dialysis, our team is dedicated to discussing all available options with our patients, ensuring they understand the benefits and limitations of each type of dialysis.

We are here to support you through every step of your kidney care journey, from initial diagnosis to choosing and adapting to your dialysis treatment. Our goal is to empower our patients with the knowledge and resources needed to lead active, fulfilling lives while managing CKD.