Types of Dialysis | Nephrophiles

Understanding Dialysis Options

Making Informed Decisions About Dialysis

Living with kidney disease requires making important choices about your treatment plan to preserve your health and quality of life. One of the most significant decisions is selecting the dialysis method that best suits your needs.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a vital treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) that takes over essential kidney functions.

These include removing waste from the blood, keeping chemical levels balanced, and managing blood pressure.

There are two primary dialysis types:

Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.

Types of Dialysis

In-Center Dialysis

In-center dialysis is performed at specialized facilities called outpatient dialysis units, where patients receive treatment usually three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

Each session typically lasts three and a half to four hours, but your nephrologist will adjust the time according to your needs.

This environment provides nurses and technicians that are performing the treatments.

Home Dialysis

Home dialysis allows patients to manage their treatments in their own homes, offering flexibility and comfort.

There are two main forms of home dialysis:

Peritoneal Dialysis:

This portable method uses a catheter inserted into the abdomen to fill and drain dialysis fluid.

Peritoneal dialysis is highly flexible and can be performed manually during the day or overnight with a cycler machine.

Patients can manage exchanges at home, at work, at school, or while traveling, making it ideal for those who value independence.

Home Hemodialysis:

This method is similar to in-center dialysis but is conducted at home.

It requires a dedicated space for the machine and more training so patients can confidently manage their own care.

During sessions, patients can read, watch TV, or engage in other activities.

Ongoing support from healthcare professionals is always available.

Choosing the Right Dialysis Method

Selecting the right dialysis method depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, comfort with self-care, and personal preferences:

Lifestyle and Privacy:

Home dialysis offers flexibility but may reduce privacy, as family and visitors will see equipment and treatments.

In-center dialysis may be preferable if privacy is a top concern.

Comfort with Medical Procedures:

Home dialysis requires managing equipment and some medical tasks.

If you are not comfortable with these responsibilities, in-center dialysis offers professional assistance.

Mobility and Independence:

For an active lifestyle, peritoneal dialysis provides portability and allows you to maintain your routine without interruption.

Continuous Support:

A dedicated care team is available around the clock to answer questions and address issues. Regular check-ins with your doctor, including monthly lab tests and exams, support your ongoing care.

Involving Loved Ones

Family members play an important role in home dialysis.

They receive training to help with treatments and support the patient, reducing the risk of caregiver burnout.

Both home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis require initial training and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers.