What is the benefit of peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis?

• The benefits of peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis include:

• Greater lifestyle flexibility and independence. These can be especially important if you work, travel or live far from a hemodialysis center.

• A less restricted diet. Peritoneal dialysis is done more continuously than hemodialysis, resulting in less accumulation of potassium, sodium and fluid. This allows you to have a more flexible diet than you could have on hemodialysis.

• Longer lasting residual kidney function. People who use peritoneal dialysis might retain kidney function slightly longer than people who use hemodialysis.

• Peritoneal dialysis may be the better option if you:

• Can’t tolerate the rapid changes of fluid balance associated with hemodialysis

• Want to minimize the disruption of your daily activities

• Want to work or travel more easily

• Have some residual kidney function

• Peritoneal dialysis might not work if you have:

• Extensive surgical scars in your abdomen

• A large area of weakened abdominal muscle (hernia)

• Limited ability to care for yourself, or a lack of caregiving support

• Inflammatory bowel disease or frequent bouts of diverticulitis

• Talk with your kidney doctor about if peritoneal dialysis is for you. Factors to consider include:

• Your kidney function, overall health, personal preferences, home situation, and lifestyle

What are the risks?

Complications of peritoneal dialysis can include:

• Infections. An infection of the abdominal lining (peritonitis) is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis. An infection can also develop at the site where the catheter is inserted to carry the cleansing fluid (dialysate) into and out of your abdomen. The risk of infection is greater if the person doing the dialysis isn’t adequately trained.

• Weight gain. The dialysate contains sugar (dextrose). Absorbing some of the dialysate might cause you to take in hundreds of extra calories daily, leading to weight gain. The extra calories can also cause high blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes.

• Hernia. Holding fluid in your abdomen for long periods may strain your muscles.

• Inadequate dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis can become ineffective after several years. You might need to switch to hemodialysis.

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If you have peritoneal dialysis, you’ll need to avoid:

• Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications that can damage your kidneys, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Soaking in a bath or hot tub, or swimming in a lake, pond, river or non-chlorinated pool — which increases the risk of infection. Showers and swimming in a chlorinated pool are generally acceptable