Understanding the Two Main Types of Treatment
Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function effectively. It is typically necessary for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
There are two main types of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis:
- Blood is diverted from the body into a machine called a dialyzer.
- The dialyzer filters waste and excess fluids from the blood.
- Cleaned blood is then returned to the body.
- Treatments usually last about 4 hours and are performed 3-5 times per week.
- Can be done at a dialysis center or at home after proper training.
- Peritoneal Dialysis (PD):
- Uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as a natural filter.
- A catheter is surgically placed in the patient’s abdomen.
- A cleansing fluid called dialysate is introduced into the abdominal cavity.
- Waste products and excess fluid are drawn out of the blood vessels in the peritoneum into the dialysate.
- After a few hours, the fluid is drained and discarded.
- It can be performed at home, work, or while traveling.
Both types of dialysis aim to replicate the kidney’s function of filtering blood and removing waste products. The choice between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis depends on various factors, including the patient’s medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
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References:
Brazier, Y. et al., (2018, July 17) What is dialysis, and how can it help?. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152902
NKF Patient Education Team. (2023, January 2) Dialysis. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/dialysis
Stanford Medicine. Types of Dialysis. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/d/dialysis/types.html