If you choose peritoneal dialysis, can you not choose hemodialysis? How should you choose?

1. The two are not completely mutually exclusive

In fact, choosing peritoneal dialysis does not mean that you can never choose hemodialysis. In some special cases, such as severe infection or inadequate dialysis during peritoneal dialysis , you can switch to hemodialysis after a doctor's evaluation. Similarly, if hemodialysis encounters difficult-to-solve problems such as vascular access problems, peritoneal dialysis may also be considered.

2. Choose from the perspective of lifestyle

1. Peritoneal dialysis : Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home, with less reliance on hospitals, and patients have more freedom in their daily arrangements. However, it requires appropriate operating space and sanitary conditions, and multiple fluid changes are required every day, which requires patients or their families to have good hands-on skills and patience.

2. Hemodialysis : Hemodialysis requires regular visits to the hospital dialysis center, generally 2 to 3 times a week. This requires patients to have convenient transportation conditions and sufficient time to travel to and from the hospital. However, during the dialysis process, patients basically do not need to operate themselves, and medical staff will monitor the entire process.

3. Choose from the perspective of physical condition

1. Peritoneal dialysis : It may be more beneficial for patients with poor cardiovascular system stability because peritoneal dialysis is a continuous and slow exchange of substances with less impact on hemodynamics.

2. Hemodialysis : For patients with a history of abdominal surgery, abdominal adhesions, or abdominal problems such as hernia, hemodialysis may be a better choice because peritoneal dialysis may increase the risk of abdominal complications. In addition, hemodialysis has a higher efficiency in removing small molecule toxins in a short time.

In short, choosing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis requires comprehensive consideration of your own physical condition, lifestyle habits, and the professional advice of your doctor.