Renal Replacement Therapy: Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis, Animation

Recent questions

• What is dialysis used for?

  Dialysis is a medical treatment used for patients with inadequate kidney function. It serves to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform these functions effectively. This therapy is crucial for individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease or acute kidney failure, as it helps maintain the body's chemical balance and prevents the buildup of harmful substances. There are two primary types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, each with its own methods and benefits. Hemodialysis typically requires visits to a dialysis center, while peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, providing patients with more flexibility in their treatment schedules.

• How does hemodialysis work?

  Hemodialysis works by filtering the blood through a machine that uses a special solution called dialysate. The process begins with a minor surgical procedure to create vascular access, either through a fistula or a graft, allowing blood to flow from the body into the dialysis machine. The machine contains a semipermeable membrane that separates the blood from the dialysate, enabling the removal of waste products like urea and potassium. The treatment typically lasts about four hours and is performed three times a week in a dialysis center. During this time, anticoagulants such as heparin are used to prevent blood clotting, ensuring that the blood can be effectively filtered and returned to the body.

• What is peritoneal dialysis?

  Peritoneal dialysis is a type of dialysis that utilizes the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter to remove waste and excess fluids from the blood. In this method, a dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, where it remains for several hours to allow for the exchange of waste products with the blood. After the dwell time, the fluid is drained and discarded. This process can be performed manually or automatically at night, providing patients with greater flexibility and comfort. While peritoneal dialysis is generally easier to tolerate and can be done at home, it is less effective than hemodialysis and carries a higher risk of infections in the abdominal area.

• What are the risks of dialysis?

  Dialysis, while life-saving for many patients with kidney failure, does come with certain risks and complications. In hemodialysis, potential risks include infections at the vascular access site, blood clots, and low blood pressure during treatment. Additionally, patients may experience side effects such as muscle cramps, fatigue, and headaches. Peritoneal dialysis carries its own set of risks, primarily the possibility of peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal lining, which can occur if the catheter is not properly cared for. Other complications may include hernias and fluid imbalances. It is essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage these risks and ensure effective treatment.

• What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

  The primary difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis lies in the method of filtering the blood. Hemodialysis involves the use of a machine that filters blood through a dialyzer, requiring vascular access through a fistula or graft, and is typically performed in a clinical setting. In contrast, peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum as a natural filter, with dialysis fluid introduced into the abdominal cavity via a catheter, allowing for exchanges to occur over several hours. Hemodialysis is generally more effective at removing waste but requires more frequent visits to a dialysis center, while peritoneal dialysis offers greater flexibility and can be done at home, though it may be less effective and carries a higher risk of infection.