Types of Dialysis Explained: Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis

Types of Dialysis Explained

How many types of dialysis there are is one of the most common questions patients and families ask when they are first told dialysis is needed.  Dialysis helps the body do the work of the kidneys when they are no longer able to function correctly. 

For many patients and families, understanding dialysis can feel confusing at first. This informative blog explains types of dialysis, how they work, and the key differences between the two main options in simple, clear language.

What Is Dialysis and Why Is It Needed?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that removes waste, extra water, and harmful substances from the blood. Healthy kidneys do this job every day. When kidneys fail due to long-term disease, injury, or other health issues, waste starts to build up in the body. It can make a person very sick.

Dialysis helps to:

• Clean the blood.

• Remove excess fluid.

• Balance minerals like sodium and potassium.

• Support overall health when the kidneys stop working.

Dialysis does not cure kidney disease, but it helps people live longer and feel better.

How Many Types of Dialysis Are There?

A common question patients ask is how many types of dialysis there are. There are two main types used worldwide:

• Hemodialysis

• Peritoneal dialysis

Both aim to clean the blood, but they do it in very different ways. Choosing the right one depends on medical needs, lifestyle, age, and the doctor's advice.

Understanding Types of Dialysis in Simple Terms

Before comparing them, it helps to understand how each type works on its own. Each method has its own process, benefits, and limits.

What Is Hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is the most commonly used form of dialysis. In this method, blood is taken out of the body, cleaned using a machine, and then returned to the body.

How Hemodialysis Works:

• Blood flows from the body into a dialysis machine.

• The machine has a special filter called a dialyser.

• Waste and extra fluids are removed.

• Clean blood is sent back into the body.

This process usually takes place in a hospital or dialysis centre.

How Often Is Hemodialysis Done?

• Usually 3 times a week.

• Each session lasts about 4 hours.

Some patients may also do hemodialysis at home with training, but hospital treatment is more common.

What Is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, to clean the blood from inside the body.

How Peritoneal Dialysis Works

• A soft tube is placed in the abdomen.

• A special fluid is put into the belly through the tube.

• Waste and extra water move from the blood into this fluid.

• The used fluid is then drained out.

This process can be done at home and does not require a machine to clean the blood outside the body.

Types of Peritoneal Dialysis

There are two main ways to do peritoneal dialysis:

• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).

• Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) is usually done at night.

Hemodialysis Peritoneal Dialysis: Key Differences at a Glance

Understanding hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis options side by side makes it easier to see how they differ in daily life.

The difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis lies in how the blood is cleaned, where treatment happens, and how it affects daily routine.

Location of Treatment

• Hemodialysis is mainly done in hospitals or dialysis centres.

• Peritoneal dialysis is usually done at home.
  

Method of Blood Cleaning

• Hemodialysis cleans blood outside the body using a machine.

• Peritoneal dialysis cleans blood inside the body using the abdominal lining.
  

Time Commitment

• Hemodialysis requires fixed sessions several times a week.

• Peritoneal dialysis is done daily, but fits more easily into a routine.

Difference Between Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis in Lifestyle Impact

Another way to understand the difference between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is by looking at lifestyle changes.

Diet and Fluid Limits

• Hemodialysis patients often have strict fluid limits.

• Peritoneal dialysis allows for more flexible fluid intake.
  

Travel and Work

• Hemodialysis can make travel harder due to fixed centre visits.

• Peritoneal dialysis allows more freedom to travel and work.
  

Independence

• Hemodialysis patients depend more on the medical staff.

• Peritoneal dialysis gives patients more control at home.

Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis Differences in Medical Risks

Every medical treatment has risks. Knowing the peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis differences helps patients stay prepared.

Infection Risk

• Hemodialysis carries a risk of blood infections.

• Peritoneal dialysis carries a risk of belly infection called peritonitis.
  

Blood Pressure Changes

• Hemodialysis may cause sudden drops in blood pressure.

• Peritoneal dialysis works slowly and steadily.
  

Long-Term Use

• Hemodialysis is often chosen for patients with complex conditions.

• Peritoneal dialysis suits patients who prefer home-based care.

Who Is Suitable for Hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis may be recommended if:

• The patient needs close medical monitoring.

• Home dialysis is not possible.

• Abdominal issues are preventing peritoneal dialysis.

Doctors consider age, health history, and family support before suggesting this option.

Who Is Suitable for Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis may be advised if:

• The patient prefers home treatment.

• Blood pressure needs to stay stable.

• There is good hygiene support at home.

It works well for people who want more independence and flexible schedules.

Comparing Comfort and Daily Routine

Comfort plays a significant role in choosing dialysis.

• Hemodialysis sessions can cause tiredness after treatment.

• Peritoneal dialysis is gentler but requires daily care.

Some patients feel more energy with peritoneal dialysis because it works continuously.

Emotional and Mental Well-being During Dialysis

Living with dialysis affects not just the body but also the mind.

• Regular hospital visits can feel stressful.

• Home dialysis can feel overwhelming at first.

Support from family, doctors, and healthcare platforms like Yodda helps patients feel safe and confident.

Role of Care and Support in Dialysis Management

Managing dialysis is easier with the right support system.

Yodda focuses on safety, healthcare, and engagement for elders and women. With advanced technology and emergency response systems, Yodda helps families feel at ease while managing long-term health needs. 

Their approach reflects care, protection, and timely support, especially for people dealing with severe conditions like kidney failure.

Making the Right Choice Between Dialysis Types

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing dialysis. Doctors help patients decide based on:

• Medical condition

• Daily routine

• Home environment

• Personal comfort

Both options are effective when followed correctly.

Key Takeaways on Types of Dialysis

To summarise the types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis cleans blood outside the body using a machine.

• Peritoneal dialysis cleans blood inside the body using the abdomen.

• Each has different routines, risks, and lifestyle effects.

Understanding these differences helps patients and families feel more prepared.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between dialysis options is a significant life decision. Learning about the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis helps remove fear and confusion. With the right medical advice, family support, and reliable care systems like Yodda, patients can manage dialysis with confidence and dignity. 

Dialysis is not just a treatment. It is a way to continue living life with care, safety, and support.

To know more, explore the Yodda expert blog section!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

How many types of dialysis are there?

There are two main types of dialysis used today. These are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both help remove waste and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working, but they work in different ways.

What is the main difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

The key difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is how the blood is cleaned. Hemodialysis cleans blood outside the body using a machine, while peritoneal dialysis cleans blood inside the body using the lining of the abdomen.

Is hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis better for home treatment?

Between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, peritoneal dialysis is usually better for home treatment. It allows patients to manage dialysis at home with proper training, while hemodialysis is mainly done in hospitals or dialysis centres.

What are the peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis differences in daily life?

The main peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis differences in daily life include time, flexibility, and diet. Hemodialysis has fixed hospital sessions and stricter fluid limits, while peritoneal dialysis offers more flexible schedules and fewer diet restrictions.

Which option is better when comparing the difference between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

There is no single best option when looking at the difference between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The right choice depends on the patient’s health condition, daily routine, home support, and the doctor’s advice.