Peritoneal dialysis vs. hemodialysis

June 18, 2025

This eBook from Blue Heron Health News

Back in the spring of 2008, Christian Goodman put together a group of like-minded people – natural researchers who want to help humanity gain optimum health with the help of cures that nature has provided. He gathered people who already know much about natural medicine and setup blueheronhealthnews.com.

Today, Blue Heron Health News provides a variety of remedies for different kinds of illnesses. All of their remedies are natural and safe, so they can be used by anyone regardless of their health condition. Countless articles and eBooks are available on their website from Christian himself and other natural health enthusiasts, such as Julissa Clay , Shelly Manning , Jodi Knapp and Scott Davis.

Peritoneal dialysis vs. hemodialysis

Here’s a clear comparison between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), two common types of renal replacement therapy:

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) vs. Hemodialysis (HD)
Aspect Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Hemodialysis (HD)
How it works Uses the patient’s peritoneal membrane as a filter. Dialysate fluid is infused into the abdomen, waste and excess fluid pass into it, then drained. Blood is filtered through an external machine with a dialyzer (artificial kidney).
Access Catheter surgically placed in the abdomen. Vascular access needed: AV fistula, graft, or central venous catheter.
Treatment location Usually done at home; patient performs exchanges multiple times daily or overnight with a cycler machine. Typically done in a dialysis center 3 times per week, 3-5 hours per session.
Mobility and lifestyle More flexible; allows patients to travel and maintain daily activities with fewer restrictions. More time-consuming; schedule tied to dialysis center visits.
Dietary/fluid restrictions Generally less strict fluid and dietary restrictions. Often stricter fluid and dietary limits.
Risks/complications Risk of peritonitis (infection of the peritoneal cavity), catheter infections, hernias. Risks include hypotension during dialysis, vascular access infections, clotting, bleeding.
Effectiveness Generally gentler and continuous; may be less efficient in removing large toxin loads rapidly. More efficient at rapid clearance of toxins and fluid removal.
Patient suitability Good for motivated patients who can manage self-care; often preferred in children and younger adults. Suitable for patients who prefer or require center-based treatment or have contraindications to PD.
Cost Usually lower overall cost due to home-based treatment. Higher cost due to facility and staffing needs.

Summary
Peritoneal dialysis offers more independence and lifestyle flexibility but requires patient involvement and carries infection risk.

Hemodialysis is more intensive and efficient but less flexible and requires regular visits to a treatment center.

Would you like details on which option might be better for specific patient scenarios?

Here are the common complications associated with renal replacement therapy (RRT), which includes both dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) and kidney transplantation:

Complications of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT)
1. Complications of Hemodialysis
Vascular Access Issues:

Infection or thrombosis of arteriovenous fistulas or grafts

Stenosis leading to poor blood flow

Hypotension:

Due to rapid fluid removal during dialysis

Muscle Cramps and Fatigue:

Often occur during or after sessions

Electrolyte Imbalance:

Hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hyperkalemia between sessions

Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome:

Neurological symptoms caused by rapid changes in blood chemistry

Infections:

Bloodstream infections from vascular access

Cardiovascular Complications:

Accelerated atherosclerosis, arrhythmias

Allergic Reactions:

To dialyzer membranes or sterilants

2. Complications of Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritonitis:

Infection of the peritoneal cavity, leading to abdominal pain, fever

Catheter-Related Infections:

Exit-site infections or tunnel infections

Hernias:

Due to increased intra-abdominal pressure

Fluid Overload or Dehydration:

If dialysis exchanges are not balanced properly

Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis (rare):

Thickening and fibrosis of the peritoneum causing bowel obstruction

3. Complications of Kidney Transplantation
Rejection:

Acute or chronic rejection due to immune response against the graft

Infections:

Due to immunosuppressive medications

Side Effects of Immunosuppressants:

Diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, malignancies

Surgical Complications:

Bleeding, thrombosis, urinary leaks, lymphocele

Recurrence of Original Kidney Disease:

Some diseases may recur in the transplanted kidney

Cardiovascular Disease:

Accelerated due to immunosuppressive therapy and pre-existing conditions

Summary Table
RRT Type Common Complications
Hemodialysis Vascular access problems, hypotension, infections, electrolyte imbalance
Peritoneal Dialysis Peritonitis, catheter infections, hernias, fluid imbalances
Kidney Transplantation Rejection, infection, immunosuppressant side effects, surgical complications

If you want, I can provide guidance on how these complications are managed or prevented.

The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution™ By Shelly Manning It is an eBook that includes the most popular methods to care and manage kidney diseases by following the information provided in it. This easily readable eBook covers up various important topics like what is chronic kidney disease, how it is caused, how it can be diagnosed, tissue damages caused by chronic inflammation, how your condition is affected by gut biome, choices for powerful lifestyle and chronic kidney disease with natural tools etc.


Blue Heron Health News

Back in the spring of 2008, Christian Goodman put together a group of like-minded people – natural researchers who want to help humanity gain optimum health with the help of cures that nature has provided. He gathered people who already know much about natural medicine and setup blueheronhealthnews.com.

Today, Blue Heron Health News provides a variety of remedies for different kinds of illnesses. All of their remedies are natural and safe, so they can be used by anyone regardless of their health condition. Countless articles and eBooks are available on their website from Christian himself and other natural health enthusiasts, such as Shelly Manning Jodi Knapp and Scott Davis.

About Christian Goodman

Christian Goodman is the CEO of Blue Heron Health News. He was born and raised in Iceland, and challenges have always been a part of the way he lived. Combining this passion for challenge and his obsession for natural health research, he has found a lot of solutions to different health problems that are rampant in modern society. He is also naturally into helping humanity, which drives him to educate the public on the benefits and effectiveness of his natural health methods.