What Are The Different Types Of Kidney Dialysis?

Dialysis is a way to clean the blood artificially, rather than by the kidneys. There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

In hemodialysis, the patient's blood is circulated outside of the body into an artificial kidney machine. The blood is cleansed and returned to the patient's bloodstream. Treatments are usually required three times a week, for 4 hours each time. Hemodialysis is usually done in a dialysis center, but can also be done at home. For hemodialysis to take place, there must be a way to connect your bloodstream to the kidney machine. This connection is called a vascular access. It requires minor surgery to create this access.

In peritoneal dialysis, the process takes place within the patient's own body. Dialysate (dialysis fluid) is placed into the abdominal cavity (belly) through a tube (called a catheter). Surgery is required to place the catheter. The patient's own peritoneal membrane (a thin layer of tissue that covers the intestines) acts as the dialyzer. The fluid stays for several hours and then is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. These "exchanges" are done 4-5 times a day. They can be done by the patient, or can be done by a cycling machine at night while the patient sleeps. Peritoneal dialysis is done at home.

Each type of dialysis has its pros and cons. Your health care team can help you decide which treatment is best for you.

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