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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Dialysis and Hemodialysis?

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Dialysis is a procedure used to filter waste products from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The main differences between them are:

Hemodialysis:

  • Cleans the blood outside the body using a machine called a dialyzer, which acts like an artificial kidney.
  • Requires an access portal created by a surgeon, usually in the arm, to connect an artery and a vein.
  • Typically performed 3 to 5 times a week at a dialysis center.
  • Can be done either at a dialysis facility or at home.

Peritoneal Dialysis:

  • Cleans the blood inside the body by using a cleansing fluid that flows into the abdomen via a tube.
  • The lining of the abdomen extracts waste from the blood, and the fluid along with the wastes is drained out of the body.
  • Can be done daily at home.
  • Requires a catheter placed in the belly by surgery.

Both types of dialysis have their pros and cons, and the choice between them depends on factors such as the patient's kidney function, overall health, home situation, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The doctor helps the patient choose the most suitable type of dialysis based on these factors.

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  • What is the Difference Between Dialysis and Hemodialysis?
  • Comparative Table: Dialysis vs Hemodialysis

    • Comparative Table: Dialysis vs Hemodialysis

    Dialysis is a procedure that helps filter blood when the kidneys are unable to do so, and there are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

    Feature Hemodialysis Peritoneal Dialysis
    Technique Blood is circulated outside the body through a machine (dialyzer) that acts like an artificial kidney Blood is filtered inside the body using the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum)
    Blood Access Requires minor surgery to create an access portal, usually in the arm, to connect an artery and a vein Uses a catheter placed into the peritoneal cavity, which is accessed through a small incision in the abdomen
    Treatment Frequency Typically performed 3 to 5 times a week, either at a dialysis center or at home Typically performed daily, either at home or on the go
    Blood Filtering Blood travels through tubes from the body into a dialysis machine, where it goes through a filter called a dialyzer Cleansing fluid is placed into the abdomen, and the lining of the abdomen extracts waste from the blood. The fluid, along with the wastes, is then drained out of the body
    Vascular Access Requires vascular access, which can be a fistula, graft, or catheter Does not require vascular access

    Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis help remove toxins and excess fluids from the blood, but the choice between the two depends on the patient's medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preference.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.