Which is better, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis?

Jul 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My colleague suffers from chronic renal failure, with a current creatinine level above 700. His physical condition is poor and his immunity is low. The doctor recommends immediate dialysis. Which is better, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on the patient's specific condition. 1. **Peritoneal Dialysis** *Advantages*: Better preservation of residual renal function, which is beneficial for long-term prognosis. It can be performed at home, reducing the need for hospital visits and improving the patient's quality of life. Hemodynamic stability reduces the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. *Disadvantages*: However, peritoneal dialysis also has drawbacks, including a higher risk of peritonitis, lower clearance of small molecular substances, and the need for multiple fluid exchanges daily, making the process cumbersome. 2. **Hemodialysis** *Advantages*: A well-established technique with high clearance efficiency, suitable for rapid disease relief. It is performed in hospitals by trained professionals, reducing the risk of patient error. *Disadvantages*: Its drawbacks include the need to establish vascular access, which carries associated risks, and the requirement for regular hospital visits, which may interfere with the patient's normal work and lifestyle.