Dialysis comparative chart

Comparing dialysis options

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) vs. hemodialysis (HD). There are different benefits and considerations for PD, ICHD and HHD. Please remember that every patient differs in terms of age, medical condition, physical condition and lifestyle choices. Discuss medical and lifestyle considerations with your healthcare team to understand all the dialysis treatment options. Below is a quick comparative chart for different types of dialysis.

Type of dialysis	Benefits	Points to consider
Peritoneal dialysis (PD)	Fit your treatment around your lifestyle (e.g. flexibility for work, school, and other activities) Portable and flexible—easy to take your therapy with you when you travel or go to the cottage Continuous therapy is gentler and more like your natural kidney function Fewer visits to the dialysis unit for treatment No needles Independence—you typically perform your therapy yourself Can do dialysis therapy while you sleep	Exchanges need to be made daily Need for a permanent access catheter Some chance of infection May show a slightly larger waistline (due to carrying fluid) Storage space required in your home Some fluid and dialysis diet restrictions
In-centre hemodialysis (ICHD)	Regular contact with other hemodialysis patients and staff Three treatments per week (four days off) No need for keeping equipment/supplies at home Immediate access to medical help during therapy No need to learn how a dialysis machine works	Travel to centre/unit three times a week, on a fixed schedule for an average of four hours each treatment Need for permanent access Some chance of infection Insertion of two needles for each treatment Some fluid dialysis diet restrictions Possible discomfort such as headache, nausea, leg cramps, tiredness
Home hemodialysis (HHD)	Help from family members More control over when you dialyze No travel to a clinic or hospital for treatment Works during sleep for some people	Need for permanent access Some chance of infection Insertion of two needles for each treatment Some fluid and dialysis diet restrictions Training may take a minimum of four to six weeks Storage space required for equipment and supplies