Question

Is there any difference between dialysis and haemodialysis?

Answer 1

When you consider both these techniques, they both have the same basic principle. Dialysis, itself is an umbrella term, which includes all the techniques, along with hemodialysis. Thus, dialysis may involve peritoneal or hemodialysis. So the complete level of risks is higher in dialysis than in hemodialysis. But hemodialysis requires a vascular access, which peritoneal dialysis doesn’t require. Hemodialysis is associated with greater bleeding and hypovolemia with hyperkalemia than in peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis can be done even in a small ward, but hemodialysis requires sophisticated equipment and other requirements. Hemodialysis can be done for 4 hours once in 3 days, but peritoneal dialysis is sometimes needed regularly. The effectiveness of hemodialysis is greater than peritoneal dialysis.

In summary, hemodialysis is the best method in a pre planned, equipped setting in preparation for a kidney transplant, whereas peritoneal dialysis is better in an emergency, poorly equipped, chronic patient.