Kidneys are also crucial in ensuring that the body is healthy, by eliminating waste products, toxins and excessive fluids in the blood. They also assist in the maintenance of electrolyte balance, as well as, in the regulation of blood pressure. But as soon as the kidneys cannot perform their functions correctly because of such conditions as Chronic Kidney Disease or kidney failure, toxic substances start to build up in the body. This is the point where dialysis is necessary.
Dialysis is a life-saving therapy that artificially produces the work of the kidneys which is to filter. Two major forms of dialysis are globally practiced; they include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Although both achieve the same goal, they are different in the way of functioning, the place of functioning and their effect on everyday life.
In this blog on Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis, the distinction between a hemodialysis and a peritoneal dialysis is described in detail to enable patients and their families to make an informed choice on the treatment mode that is most appropriate.
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment process used to substitute part of the important task of the kidneys whereby they fail to perform their respective functions effectively. It eliminates the products of wastes, excessive salts and fluids in blood, which helps in maintaining the internal balance of the body.
Dialysis is necessary to help patients who have suffered kidney failure or advanced chronic kidney disease to survive, particularly when their kidneys are no longer able to filter the toxic elements adequately. Lack of dialysis might cause severe complications and death due to accumulation of waste.
Two different forms of dialysis are in common use across the globe: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. All the methods have their own procedure, advantages, and drawbacks, and the decision-making depends on the needs of a particular patient and his or her illness. This comparison of Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis helps in understanding both methods clearly.
What is Hemodialysis?
Overview
The most commonly utilized type of dialysis is hemodialysis, in which blood is filtered outside of the body through a special machine. This machine is artificial kidney, which eliminates waste, toxins, and excess fluid and then the body receives clean blood.
How Hemodialysis Works
When undergoing hemodialysis, blood is withdrawn out of the body via a vascular opening, which in most cases is made in the arm. The blood is then pumped into a dialyzer or an artificial kidney where it is filtered using a semi-permeable membrane. In the process, greenhouse gases and surplus fluid are eliminated. Pure blood is then put back into the body. This process goes on with a number of hours in every session so that the blood is properly cleansed.
Key Features
The hemodialysis is generally carried out three times each week whereby each session lasts an estimated three to five hours. It can typically be done in a hospital or dialysis center under the care of trained medical practitioners, but in some situations, hemodialysis can be done at home.
Advantages of Hemodialysis
The fact that the hemodialysis is carried out under the supervision of the doctor is one of the greatest benefits of the treatment as it is safe and provides the immediate care in case of any complications. The procedure does not require the patient to take care of any of it and is thus applicable by patients who like to be professionally checked, or cannot take care of themselves at home.
Disadvantages
But hemodialysis involves almost regular visits to dialysis center which may be time consuming and physically demanding. Moreover, patients may require the strict diet and fluid intake excluded to prevent the appearance of complications between sessions.
What is Peritoneal Dialysis?
Overview
Peritoneal dialysis is a form of dialysis, which involves the use of the natural peritoneum or lining of the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter to eliminate waste and excess fluids in the blood.
How Peritoneal Dialysis Works
In this approach, a catheter is inserted in the abdomen with the introduction of a special dialysis fluid. The peritoneum is a filter whereby waste products and surplus fluid are filtered off the blood vessels into the dialysis fluid. Within a couple of hours, the waste filled fluid is emptied out and new solution replenished. This is carried out repeatedly several times in a day or by a machine.
Types of Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis can be of two kinds. CAPD is performed manually a few times per day, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) is performed with the help of a machine and typically it is done when the patient is asleep at night.
Advantages
Peritoneal dialysis is more flexible and more independent as it may be done at home or even during traveling. It enables the patients to have a more normal lifestyle, and in many cases, it has fewer limitations on what they can eat than hemodialysis.
Disadvantages
Although peritoneal dialysis is convenient, it has a risk of infection especially Peritonitis which is an infection of the abdominal lining. It also involves conducting proper training, discipline, and hygiene practices because it is the patients who do the procedure themselves.
Difference Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
The major dissimilarity between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is the method through which the blood is filtered. Hemodialysis involves the external machines to purify the blood, whereas the peritoneal dialysis involves internal lining in the body serving as an inbuilt filter.
Hemodialysis is typically carried out in a hospital or center but in peritoneal dialysis, the process is carried out at home. Scheduling of hemodialysis sessions is done a few times per week, whereas peritoneal dialysis is carried out on a daily basis. Also, with peritoneal dialysis, there is more flexibility in terms of lifestyle although more individual responsibility is necessary as opposed to hemodialysis.
This section clearly explains the comparison of Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis for better understanding.
Which Dialysis Method is Better?
Which of the two methods of dialysis is better depends on the individual. Such decision is based on various factors such as the age of the patient, the lifestyle, general health and the intensity of kidney disease. The peritoneal dialysis option might suit some of them through its convenience and independence, whereas the hemodialysis setting may be more comfortable to others.
Finally, the choice is to be made with the consultation of healthcare provider who could suggest the most appropriate variant referred to the personal needs and the medical history. Individual approach is necessary to produce optimal results. Choosing between Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis should always be personalized.
Who is Suitable for Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis is typically appropriate to the patients, who prefer to be treated under the supervision of the medical professional or staff, or to patients who might not be in a position to take care of the dialysis processes at home. It is also an excellent alternative to patients who have specific health issues that preclude peritoneal dialysis being effective and safe.
The organized and controlled system of hemodialysis centers can be beneficial to the patients who do not feel in control of medical equipment or adhering to strict hygiene measures.
Who is Suitable for Peritoneal Dialysis?
Peritoneal dialysis is the most suitable option to be used by patients requiring more independence and flexibility in life. It is particularly appropriate with people who choose home-based treatment and can learn and cope with dialysis process by themselves.
This method can be used with patients who have a reliable home environment and are able to have proper hygiene. It is also convenient to individuals who do not want to spend many days at hospitals but still want to work or travel.
Risks and Complications of Dialysis
Hemodialysis Risks
Some of the complications that may arise due to hemodialysis are low blood pressure that may cause dizziness or weakness either during or after the treatment. Fluid and electrolyte shift also causes muscle cramps. Also, the infection risk at the vascular access site may occur, and this aspect is to be monitored and hygienically regulated.
Peritoneal Dialysis Risks
Peritoneal dialysis exposes one to the risk of peritonitis, which is a severe infection of the abdominal wall. Failure to maintain proper care can also lead to catheter related infections. There are patients who might gain weight as a result of glucose in dialysis fluid. To reduce such risks, it is necessary to monitor them regularly and use the correct technique.
Lifestyle Changes During Dialysis
Dialysis as a lifestyle means that people have to change their lifestyle to receive good treatment and well-being. The patients are required to adhere to certain dietary requirements such as the amount of salt, potassium and phosphorus that they should take.
There should also be fluid intake that is closely monitored to avoid congestion. Medical examination should be taken regularly to check the health condition and the efficiency of treatment. Good hygiene particularly in areas of access or catheter use is vital in the prevention of infections.
Through adequate care and discipline, most patients would be able to live a relatively normal life on dialysis.
When to Consult a Kidney Specialist
One should see a specialist in kidney in case there are symptoms of kidney failure. The most common symptoms of it are swelling of legs or face, chronic exhaustion, loss of urine, nausea, vomiting.
The kidney disease can be slowed down in its development and treatment results enhanced with the help of early diagnosis and timely intervention. Timely consultation with doctors can have a great impact on the management of kidney health.
Conclusion
To conclude, Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis both are efficient in managing kidney failure though they have some differences in terms of approach, convenience and their effects on the lifestyle. Hemodialysis provides professional management and regulated therapy whereas peritoneal dialysis offers freedom and autonomy.
The selection of the dialysis approach is based on personal health status, lifeway, and healthcare recommendations. This decision is necessary with the consultation of a professional expert, such as Dr. Nisha Gaur, and consulting a trusted nephrologist in Jaipur can further help patients choose the most suitable and individual way of treating kidneys to the maximum.
