What’s the Difference Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis?
Procedure
During the hemodialysis procedure, a catheter is inserted into one of your blood vessels. The insertion into your blood vessel is known as a vascular opening. With help from a specialized machine, toxins, excess fluid, and waste products are filtered out of your body. As they’re being filtered out, the machine balances the nutrients within your blood, such as the electrolytes, and returns it to your body purified.
There are two types of peritoneal dialysis procedures. During continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the nephrologist inserts a catheter into your abdomen. A bag is attached to one end of the catheter. The catheter filters the toxins from your blood. During automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), the abdominal catheter attaches you to a machine that cleanses your blood.
Appointments
You’ll need to see a nephrologist three to five times a week if you get hemodialysis. You must get dialysis daily if you get APD. However, if you get CAPD, then you can keep to your daily activities while the filtration occurs.
Practicality
Either peritoneal dialysis is less ideal for people who have had abdominal surgery, including a cesarean, or abdominal scarring. It is also less recommended for people who are obese. However, peritoneal dialysis is often ideal for minors. If the nephrologist determines that your kidneys function very poorly or are nearing disrepair, then you will likely need hemodialysis instead of peritoneal dialysis.
Dialysis Access Surgery Specialists Near You
If you are suffering from kidney failure, then it is imperative that you receive the appropriate dialysis access surgery. Our licensed medical professionals will ascertain whether peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis is best for you. Contact our specialists for dialysis access surgery information at 703-763-5224.
