What are the main types of dialysis?

The main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, as these represent the two primary methods utilized for renal replacement therapy.

Hemodialysis involves the use of a machine to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This method typically occurs in a specialized facility and requires access to the patient's bloodstream through a vascular access point. It effectively removes toxins and excess electrolytes from the blood.

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, uses the patient's own peritoneal membrane in the abdomen as a filter. A special dialysis fluid is infused into the abdominal cavity, allowing waste products to pass from the blood vessels through the peritoneal membrane into the dialysis fluid, which is then drained out. This method can often be performed at home, providing more flexibility for patients.

Both methods serve the same purpose of removing waste and excess fluids in patients with kidney failure but differ in technique, setting, and the physiological mechanisms involved. Continuously evolving patient needs and preferences can influence the choice between these two types, but they undeniably form the backbone of dialysis as a treatment modality.