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Kidney Failure: What Type of Dialysis Should I Have?

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You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Kidney Failure: What Type of Dialysis Should I Have?

Get the facts

Your options

  • Have hemodialysis.
  • Have peritoneal dialysis.

Key points to remember

  • There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis (say "HEE-moh-dy-AL-uh-sus") and peritoneal dialysis (say "pair-uh-tuh-NEE-uhl dy-AL-uh-sus"). Each type has pros and cons. By learning as much as you can about both types, you will be able to make the best decision for yourself.
  • Dialysis can help you feel better and live longer, but it is not a cure for kidney failure. After you start dialysis, you will need to keep doing it to stay as healthy as possible.
  • If your needs change later, you can switch types of dialysis.
  • Whichever type you choose, it is very important that you have dialysis as often as your doctor tells you to. Following your treatment schedule will allow you to stay as healthy as possible and feel better. It will also help you avoid being in the hospital.
  • It is hard to make decisions when you are very ill. Discuss your choices with your doctors and your loved ones so that you can know that you are making the best decisions.
FAQs

What is kidney failure?

How well your kidneys work is called kidney function. If you have chronic kidney disease and are not able to control the disease, your kidney function will continue to get worse. When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Kidney failure has harmful effects throughout your body. It can cause serious heart, bone, and brain problems and make you feel very ill.

When you have kidney failure, either you need to have dialysis or you will need a new kidney to survive. Some people are good candidates for kidney transplant. Others are not. Even if you decide to have a kidney transplant, you will probably need to have dialysis while you wait for a kidney donor.

What are the types of dialysis?

Dialysis is a process that does the work of healthy kidneys when you have kidney failure. Dialysis filters wastes, removes extra fluid, and restores the proper balance of chemicals in the blood.

There are two basic types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean your blood. You are connected to the dialyzer by tubes attached to your blood vessels. Before hemodialysis treatments can begin, your doctor will need to create a site where blood can flow in and out of your body. This is called the dialysis access. In some cases, hemodialysis can be done at home. You will need to be trained, and you will need to make room for the dialysis machine. You may have choices for how often and how long you need dialysis.
  • Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly, which is called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood. Before you can begin peritoneal dialysis, your doctor will need to place a catheter in your belly for the dialysis access.

Why might your doctor recommend one type of dialysis over another?

  • Your doctor may recommend peritoneal dialysis if you don't have good blood vessels to make a dialysis access for hemodialysis.
  • Your doctor may recommend hemodialysis if you have belly problems, such as a hernia or adhesions, or active inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).

Compare your options

Compare

What is usually involved?









What are the benefits?









What are the risks and side effects?









Hemodialysis Hemodialysis
  • Before hemodialysis treatments can begin, your doctor will need to create a site where blood can flow in and out of your body.
  • Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean your blood. You are connected to the dialyzer by tubes attached to your blood vessels.
  • You will probably go to a hospital or dialysis center on a fairly set schedule. Hemodialysis usually is done 3 days a week and takes 3 to 5 hours a day.
  • In some cases, hemodialysis can be done at home. You will need to be trained, and you will need to make room for the dialysis machine. You may have choices in how often and how long you need dialysis.
  • It is most often done by trained health professionals who can watch for any problems.
  • It allows you to be in contact with other people having dialysis, which may give you emotional support.
  • You don't have to do it yourself, as you do with peritoneal dialysis.
  • You do it for a shorter amount of time and on fewer days each week than peritoneal dialysis.
  • Home hemodialysis can give you more flexibility in when, where, and how long you have dialysis.
  • It causes you to feel tired on the day of the treatments.
  • It can cause problems such as low blood pressure and blood clots in the dialysis access.
  • It increases your risk of bloodstream infections.
  • Home hemodialysis may require changes to your home. You and a friend will need to complete training.
Peritoneal dialysis Peritoneal dialysis
  • You will have a catheter placed in your belly (dialysis access) before you begin dialysis.
  • Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly, which is called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood.
  • The process of doing peritoneal dialysis is called an exchange. You will usually complete 4 to 6 exchanges every day.
  • You will be taught how to do your treatment at home, on your own schedule.
  • It gives you more freedom than hemodialysis. It can be done at home or in any clean place. You can do it when you travel. You may be able to do it while you sleep. You can do it by yourself.
  • It doesn't require as many food and fluid restrictions as hemodialysis, and it does not use needles.
  • The procedure may be hard for some people to do.
  • It increases your risk for an infection of the lining of the belly, called peritonitis.

Personal stories about choosing a type of dialysis

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

I have had kidney problems ever since I was born. So really, I have grown up knowing how to do peritoneal dialysis. I like it because I can do most of my exchanges overnight and go to college during the day.

Kristeen, age 26

I never really considered hemodialysis. It just wouldn't work for me. I live way out—it's an hour's drive to the nearest clinic—and I can't spend all that time on the road and away. I've got a farm to run. Oh, at first I was a little bit dazed by what you have to do with peritoneal dialysis—putting on the gloves and the mask, dealing with the catheter, all that. But you get used to it, and then it's pretty easy.

Saul, age 69

I am on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. In the meantime, I chose peritoneal dialysis so I could be home with my kids as much as possible. I like taking care of the treatments myself. It makes me feel less like a patient all the time.

Georgia, age 34

I have been doing hemodialysis at home for about 2 years. I work full time, and it was hard to schedule my dialysis treatments at the center. It took my wife and me about 6 weeks to learn everything, and my house needed some plumbing and electrical fixes for the machine. It was a lot of work, but I really like the flexibility. I feel like I have more control in my life.

Ed, age 58

I haven't worked a regular job in a long time, but I am able to use my time at the dialysis center to piece quilts that my daughter puts together and sells for me. Another woman who comes there knits, so we sit and chat while we have our dialysis.

Marita, age 76

Besides having kidney failure, I have inflammatory bowel disease, so peritoneal dialysis wasn't an option for me. I am lucky to have a wife who got trained in hemodialysis, so she does my treatments. I like the freedom it gives me to have my treatments in the comfort of my own home.

Luis, age 45

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to choose hemodialysis at a dialysis center

Reasons to choose peritoneal dialysis

I feel more comfortable having professionals handle the procedure.

I am confident that I can do the procedure myself.

More important
Equally important
More important

I don't want to have dialysis every day.

I don't mind having dialysis every day.

More important
Equally important
More important

I live near a dialysis center or am able to get to a dialysis center.

I live far from a dialysis center or have trouble getting around.

More important
Equally important
More important

I prefer to be around others who are also getting dialysis.

I like the independence of doing the dialysis myself.

More important
Equally important
More important

I don't mind people sticking needles in me.

I hate having needles stuck in me.

More important
Equally important
More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important
Equally important
More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Hemodialysis

Peritoneal dialysis

Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1, No matter what kind of dialysis I choose, it won't cure my kidney failure. I will need to keep getting dialysis to stay as healthy as I can.
2, With hemodialysis, I will be connected to a machine called a dialyzer to clean my blood.
3, With peritoneal dialysis, my blood is filtered through the lining in my belly.

Decide what's next

1,Do you understand the options available to you?
2,Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3,Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Certainty

1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2, Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

Your Summary

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Your decision 

Next steps

Which way you're leaning

How sure you are

Your comments

Your knowledge of the facts 

Key concepts that you understood

Key concepts that may need review

Getting ready to act 

Patient choices

What matters to you 

Print Summary

Credits

Credits
Author Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Kidney Failure: What Type of Dialysis Should I Have?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
  1. Get the facts
  2. Compare your options
  3. What matters most to you?
  4. Where are you leaning now?
  5. What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

  • Have hemodialysis.
  • Have peritoneal dialysis.

Key points to remember

  • There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis (say "HEE-moh-dy-AL-uh-sus") and peritoneal dialysis (say "pair-uh-tuh-NEE-uhl dy-AL-uh-sus"). Each type has pros and cons. By learning as much as you can about both types, you will be able to make the best decision for yourself.
  • Dialysis can help you feel better and live longer, but it is not a cure for kidney failure. After you start dialysis, you will need to keep doing it to stay as healthy as possible.
  • If your needs change later, you can switch types of dialysis.
  • Whichever type you choose, it is very important that you have dialysis as often as your doctor tells you to. Following your treatment schedule will allow you to stay as healthy as possible and feel better. It will also help you avoid being in the hospital.
  • It is hard to make decisions when you are very ill. Discuss your choices with your doctors and your loved ones so that you can know that you are making the best decisions.
FAQs

What is kidney failure?

How well your kidneys work is called kidney function. If you have chronic kidney disease and are not able to control the disease, your kidney function will continue to get worse. When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Kidney failure has harmful effects throughout your body. It can cause serious heart, bone, and brain problems and make you feel very ill.

When you have kidney failure, either you need to have dialysis or you will need a new kidney to survive. Some people are good candidates for kidney transplant. Others are not. Even if you decide to have a kidney transplant, you will probably need to have dialysis while you wait for a kidney donor.

What are the types of dialysis?

Dialysis is a process that does the work of healthy kidneys when you have kidney failure. Dialysis filters wastes, removes extra fluid, and restores the proper balance of chemicals in the blood.

There are two basic types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean your blood. You are connected to the dialyzer by tubes attached to your blood vessels. Before hemodialysis treatments can begin, your doctor will need to create a site where blood can flow in and out of your body. This is called the dialysis access. In some cases, hemodialysis can be done at home. You will need to be trained, and you will need to make room for the dialysis machine. You may have choices for how often and how long you need dialysis.
  • Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly, which is called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood. Before you can begin peritoneal dialysis, your doctor will need to place a catheter in your belly for the dialysis access.

Why might your doctor recommend one type of dialysis over another?

  • Your doctor may recommend peritoneal dialysis if you don't have good blood vessels to make a dialysis access for hemodialysis.
  • Your doctor may recommend hemodialysis if you have belly problems, such as a hernia or adhesions, or active inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).

2. Compare your options

  Hemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis
What is usually involved?
  • Before hemodialysis treatments can begin, your doctor will need to create a site where blood can flow in and out of your body.
  • Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean your blood. You are connected to the dialyzer by tubes attached to your blood vessels.
  • You will probably go to a hospital or dialysis center on a fairly set schedule. Hemodialysis usually is done 3 days a week and takes 3 to 5 hours a day.
  • In some cases, hemodialysis can be done at home. You will need to be trained, and you will need to make room for the dialysis machine. You may have choices in how often and how long you need dialysis.
  • You will have a catheter placed in your belly (dialysis access) before you begin dialysis.
  • Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly, which is called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood.
  • The process of doing peritoneal dialysis is called an exchange. You will usually complete 4 to 6 exchanges every day.
  • You will be taught how to do your treatment at home, on your own schedule.
What are the benefits?
  • It is most often done by trained health professionals who can watch for any problems.
  • It allows you to be in contact with other people having dialysis, which may give you emotional support.
  • You don't have to do it yourself, as you do with peritoneal dialysis.
  • You do it for a shorter amount of time and on fewer days each week than peritoneal dialysis.
  • Home hemodialysis can give you more flexibility in when, where, and how long you have dialysis.
  • It gives you more freedom than hemodialysis. It can be done at home or in any clean place. You can do it when you travel. You may be able to do it while you sleep. You can do it by yourself.
  • It doesn't require as many food and fluid restrictions as hemodialysis, and it does not use needles.
What are the risks and side effects?
  • It causes you to feel tired on the day of the treatments.
  • It can cause problems such as low blood pressure and blood clots in the dialysis access.
  • It increases your risk of bloodstream infections.
  • Home hemodialysis may require changes to your home. You and a friend will need to complete training.
  • The procedure may be hard for some people to do.
  • It increases your risk for an infection of the lining of the belly, called peritonitis.

Personal stories

Personal stories about choosing a type of dialysis

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"I have had kidney problems ever since I was born. So really, I have grown up knowing how to do peritoneal dialysis. I like it because I can do most of my exchanges overnight and go to college during the day."

— Kristeen, age 26

"I never really considered hemodialysis. It just wouldn't work for me. I live way out—it's an hour's drive to the nearest clinic—and I can't spend all that time on the road and away. I've got a farm to run. Oh, at first I was a little bit dazed by what you have to do with peritoneal dialysis—putting on the gloves and the mask, dealing with the catheter, all that. But you get used to it, and then it's pretty easy."

— Saul, age 69

"I am on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. In the meantime, I chose peritoneal dialysis so I could be home with my kids as much as possible. I like taking care of the treatments myself. It makes me feel less like a patient all the time."

— Georgia, age 34

"I have been doing hemodialysis at home for about 2 years. I work full time, and it was hard to schedule my dialysis treatments at the center. It took my wife and me about 6 weeks to learn everything, and my house needed some plumbing and electrical fixes for the machine. It was a lot of work, but I really like the flexibility. I feel like I have more control in my life."

— Ed, age 58

"I haven't worked a regular job in a long time, but I am able to use my time at the dialysis center to piece quilts that my daughter puts together and sells for me. Another woman who comes there knits, so we sit and chat while we have our dialysis."

— Marita, age 76

"Besides having kidney failure, I have inflammatory bowel disease, so peritoneal dialysis wasn't an option for me. I am lucky to have a wife who got trained in hemodialysis, so she does my treatments. I like the freedom it gives me to have my treatments in the comfort of my own home."

— Luis, age 45

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to choose hemodialysis at a dialysis center

Reasons to choose peritoneal dialysis

I feel more comfortable having professionals handle the procedure.

I am confident that I can do the procedure myself.

             
More important
Equally important
More important

I don't want to have dialysis every day.

I don't mind having dialysis every day.

             
More important
Equally important
More important

I live near a dialysis center or am able to get to a dialysis center.

I live far from a dialysis center or have trouble getting around.

             
More important
Equally important
More important

I prefer to be around others who are also getting dialysis.

I like the independence of doing the dialysis myself.

             
More important
Equally important
More important

I don't mind people sticking needles in me.

I hate having needles stuck in me.

             
More important
Equally important
More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

   
             
More important
Equally important
More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Hemodialysis

Peritoneal dialysis

             
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1. No matter what kind of dialysis I choose, it won't cure my kidney failure. I will need to keep getting dialysis to stay as healthy as I can.

  • True
  • False
  • I'm not sure
That's right. Dialysis can help you feel better and live longer, but it is not a cure for kidney failure. After you start dialysis, you will need to keep doing it to stay as healthy as possible.

2. With hemodialysis, I will be connected to a machine called a dialyzer to clean my blood.

  • True
  • False
  • I'm not sure
That's right. During hemodialysis, tubes connect your blood vessels to a man-made membrane called a dialyzer, which cleans your blood.

3. With peritoneal dialysis, my blood is filtered through the lining in my belly.

  • True
  • False
  • I'm not sure
That's right. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly, called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood. You or a caregiver will be taught to do peritoneal dialysis at home.

Decide what's next

1. Do you understand the options available to you?

2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Certainty

1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

         
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure

2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

  • I'm ready to take action.
  • I want to discuss the options with others.
  • I want to learn more about my options.
 
Credits
By Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
Top of the page

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.