Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: Whats the difference?
Dialysis is an artificial way to remove waste products and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do so on their own. The main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both treatments require your active participation. Here’s how they compare. Hemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis How often are treatments needed? Conventional hemodialysis requires treatments three times a week. Daily hemodialysis requires treatments six times a week. Peritoneal dialysis can be done manually throughout the day or with a machine at night. How long does each treatment take? Conventional hemodialysis takes three to five hours. Daily hemodialysis takes about two hours. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to manually exchange the dialysis solution – usually four to five times a day. If you use an automated cycler, you must be attached to the machine for 10 to 12 hours at night. Where are the treatments done? Hemodialysis is usually done in a dialysis center, but it’s possible t
