Previous: Adequacy of CAPD

Comparison of Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis

When Kidney functions fall to lower than 10%, dialysis is required. At this stage patient is faced with two options, one is hemodialysis and the second is peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Once the patient has understood the way the two processes function, he/she has to choose one of them as the long term modality. The choice is often not easy. Let us consider the advantages and disadvantages of each modality.

Hemodialysis

Advantages

  • Highly efficient in removal of toxins

  • Fluid removal can be regulated.

  • Completely free from the machines in between sessions.

  • Frequent Nephrologist follow up.

  • No protein loss on dialysis.

  • Little risk of infection in those having AV Fistula.

Disadvantages

  • Need to visit hospital frequently.

  • Needle pricks involved in each session.

  • Small amount of blood loss in each session.

  • Use of Heparin, which increases bleeding risk.

  • Risk of Hypotension.

  • Faster loss of remaining kidney functions.

  • Exposure to foreign membrane to which there may be immunological response.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Advantages

  • No Hospital visits.

  • No needle pricks

  • Complete freedom of movement.

  • No loss of working hours.

  • No blood loss.

  • Longer preservation of remaining kidney functions.

  • Better quality of life.

  • Continuous loss of toxins from the circulation.

Disadvantages

  • Less efficient compared to Hemodialysis

  • Higher amount of protein losses.

  • Risk of abdominal infection if cleanliness not maintained.

  • Infrequent visits to Nephrologist.

  • Slight abdominal discomfort.