There are two types of dialysis – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
HD uses an out-of-body filter called a dialyzer. With the help of the hemodialysis machine, the blood from the body is filtered through an artificial membrane – “dialyzer”, or “artificial kidney” to clear toxins that the kidneys can no longer remove. Peritoneal dialysis is a way to remove waste products from the blood in a different way from the more common blood filtration procedure called hemodialysis.
A peritoneal catheter is required before initiating PD. PD uses the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneal membrane, which serves as a natural filter to remove fluids and harmful substances from the blood. This is achieved by periodically infusing a special solution into the abdominal cavity. The lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) acts as a filter to remove waste products from the blood. Your doctor can tell you which type of dialysis may be the best option for you.
Factors to consider are:
– Your kidney function – Overall health
– Your personal preferences
– Your way of life
Peritoneal dialysis may be a better option if:
– You want to minimize the interruption of your daily activities
– You want to work or travel easier
– You have some residual kidney function
Peritoneal dialysis may not work if you have:
– Adhesions and mechanical defects of the abdominal wall also complicate the procedure.
– Inflammatory bowel disease or frequent attacks of diverticulitis
– Impossibility to observe strict hygienic measures
Advantages of peritoneal dialysis
– No vascular access with fistula or catheter is required;
– Patient mobility
– The therapy is carried out at home
– Lower risk of transmitting dangerous viral infections.
Disadvantages of peritoneal dialysis:
– Risk of infections
– Risk of obesity
– Impaired fat metabolism
– Cleansing from nitrogenous bodies (urea and creatinine) is not so good