Pros and cons of the two types of dialysis

If dialysis is recommended for you, you'll often be able to choose whether to have haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Both methods of dialysis are equally effective for most people, so it's usually a case of personal preference.

However, there may be some situations where a particular type of dialysis is best. For example, peritoneal dialysis may be recommended for:

• children aged two or younger
• people who still have some limited kidney function
• adults who don't have other serious health conditions, such as  Coronary heart disease or  cancer

Haemodialysis may be recommended for people who are unable to carry out peritoneal dialysis themselves, such as those who are visually impaired , have dementia or are in a poor state of health.

Any decision you make about which procedure to have will not be final. It's possible to move from one to the other. You can read about some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each technique below.

Haemodialysis

The main advantage of haemodialysis is that you have four dialysis-free days a week.

The procedure usually involves using a dialysis machine three times a week, with each session usually lasting about four hours. You'll need to plan your life around these sessions.

The sessions are often carried out in a dialysis clinic, so you may need to travel regularly for treatment. However, it may be possible to be trained how to use the equipment at home.

If you travel to another country, you'll have to arrange access to dialysis facilities beforehand. Inform the staff at your dialysis centre well in advance as they may be able to arrange for you to be referred to a dialysis unit at your destination. The Global Dialysis website has a database of dialysis units across the world. However, these units may charge a fee.

Another disadvantage of haemodialysis is that your diet and the amount of fluid you drink needs to be restricted. Many people receiving haemodialysis have to avoid certain foods and are usually advised not to drink more than a couple of cups of fluid a day.

Read about the side effects of haemodialysis .

Peritoneal dialysis

Unlike haemodialysis, the obvious advantage of peritoneal dialysis is that regular visits to a dialysis unit aren't required and it can be carried out at home without needing any bulky haemodialysis equipment.

The equipment used for peritoneal dialysis is much more portable, so you have more freedom to travel than you would if having haemodialysis.

There are also fewer restrictions on diet and fluid intake for people having peritoneal dialysis, compared to those having haemodialysis.

One of the main disadvantages of peritoneal dialysis is that it needs to be carried out every day, which you may find very disruptive. You may also find it upsetting to have a thin tube (catheter) left permanently in your abdomen (tummy), although it can often be concealed under clothing.

Another major disadvantage of peritoneal dialysis is that you're at risk of developing  peritonitis (infection of the thin membrane that lines your abdomen). In rare cases, your peritoneum may gradually become thickened and scarred. Some people may need to switch to haemodialysis after a few years to stop this happening.

Another drawback of peritoneal dialysis is that the dialysis fluid used can cause a reduction in protein levels, which can lead to a lack of energy and, in some cases, malnutrition . Weight gain is also a possible side effect.

Read about the side effects of peritoneal dialysis .

Continuous versus automated peritoneal dialysis

If you choose to have peritoneal dialysis, you will have to decide whether you want to have continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

Read about  how peritoneal dialysis is performed for more information about these procedures.

The main advantage of CAPD is that the equipment is portable. This gives you more freedom to travel away from your house. For example, you may be able to take your CAPD equipment to your workplace. However, you will need to spend at least two hours a day performing dialysis.

The main advantage of using APD is that your days are dialysis-free. However, you need to keep and maintain a dialysis machine (and the associated equipment) in your house, which doesn't suit some people.