What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in terms of procedure?

The distinction between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is fundamentally rooted in how each method processes waste and excess fluid from the body. Hemodialysis involves an external machine that filters blood, typically through a dialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney. During this process, blood is drawn out of the body, filtered through the machine, and then returned to the body. This requires vascular access, often through a fistula or a catheter, and is usually performed in a dialysis center or at home with the appropriate equipment.

On the other hand, peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneal membrane within the abdominal cavity as a natural filter. A dialysis solution is introduced into the peritoneal space, allowing waste products and excess fluid to diffuse through the peritoneal membrane from the blood vessels in that area. This process is typically performed at home, where patients can manage their treatments through exchanges of the dialysis solution without the need for a machine.

Thus, the first option highlights the fundamental procedural difference: hemodialysis operates through an external machine, while peritoneal dialysis relies on the body's own membrane to facilitate the filtration of blood components. This understanding of the procedures is crucial for patients and healthcare providers when discussing treatment plans for