What is Dialysis
Dialysis is a form of artificial "blood washing" that is used as kidney replacement therapy in cases of kidney failure or severe kidney damage.
Hemodialysis
Main Feature:
Blood purification outside the body
Site of Function:
Dialysis machine
Peritoneal Dialysis
Main Feature:
Peritoneum serves as a filter
Site of Function:
In the body itself
Hemodialysis is the most commonly used method of artificial blood purification in cases of impaired kidney function. In this procedure, blood is drawn from the body via a vascular access (e.g., a fistula in the arm) and filtered in a special machine called a dialyzer or “artificial kidney.” There, waste products and excess water are effectively removed from the blood. The purified blood then flows back into the body.
The treatment usually takes place three times a week in a dialysis center under medical supervision and lasts about four to five hours per session. Hemodialysis offers controlled and effective purification of the blood. However, the therapy is tied to fixed appointments and requires regular trips to the treatment center.
Peritoneal Dialysis (Abdominal Dialysis)
Peritoneal Dialysis is a gentle and flexible method of blood purification that can be conveniently performed at home. The peritoneum, a naturally occurring, well-vascularized membrane, is used as a natural filter. A small, permanently inserted catheter is used to introduce sterile dialysis solution into the abdominal cavity. The fluid remains there for several hours, absorbing toxins and excess water from the blood.
After the retention time, the used solution is drained through the catheter, and fresh dialysis solution is infused. This exchange can be done manually several times a day or automatically at night using a machine.
Peritoneal dialysis provides patients with a lot of flexibility and independence in daily life. However, it requires careful hygiene and regular medical supervision.
Functioning
The process utilizes diffusion: here, toxins and excess metabolic products pass through a semipermeable membrane (artificial kidney or peritoneum) either from the blood or through the peritoneum into a special dialysis fluid, thus being removed from the body. In hemodialysis, the cleaned blood is then returned to the body.
Application
Dialysis is used for acute or chronic kidney failure as well as for certain poisonings or instances of excessive fluid overload. A single dialysis session usually lasts four to five hours and should be performed three times a week.
Goal of Dialysis
Removal of toxins from the blood
Regulation of water and salt balance
Support for the body until kidney function recovers - or permanently, if the kidneys are irreversibly damaged
Often seen as a bridge to kidney transplantation