Which Dialysis Treatment Is Right For You?

There are two types of dialysis: peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Each has many benefits and considerations of how it may affect you. There may be medical or lifestyle reasons for why one type of dialysis is better for you than another. Talk to your doctor about the medical reasons. There are many things to think about when making your decision.

Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of your abdomen, or belly, to filter your blood inside your body. Health care providers call this lining the peritoneum.

Hemodialysis

During hemodialysis, your blood goes through a filter, called a dialyzer, outside your body. A dialyzer is sometimes called an “artificial kidney.”2

Where can I do dialysis?

Dialysis can be done either at home, in a clinic, or in a hospital. Learn about the different dialysis treatment options and where they are performed.

Dialysis access

In order to do dialysis, an access needs to be created surgically on your body. Depending on the type of dialysis you choose, the location of the access site is different. All of them cause some changes to your body.

What to expect

In this section, you can get a better understanding of what to expect with each type of dialysis. You can also learn about the benefits and drawbacks of each option and consider which type of dialysis is best for you.

Comparative chart

There are different benefits and considerations for PD and ICHD (in-center HD). Please remember that every patient differs in terms of age, medical condition, physical condition, and lifestyle choices.