Here are a few aspects to consider while deciding on which modality to adopt:
Diet and fluid restrictions:
With Peritoneal Dialysis, there are generally fewer diet and fluid restrictions as compared to hemodialysis.
Travel
It is generally easier to travel with PD since you can carry your supplies with you. With hemo travel is possible but you can travel for short periods and come back in time for your next session or you can travel to a place where there is a hospital or center that offers dialysis.
Treatment process
PD is considered to be less risky as a process because there is no blood going out of your system as in hemo. Also, PD offers continuous dialysis whereas hemo is intermittent.
Cost
PD could be slightly cheaper than hemodialysis.
Body Art!!!
In PD, you will need to have a catheter (tube) inside your stomach the outer part of which will be outside your body. The tube is usually wrapped in a small pouch that is fastened around your stomach. With hemo, you will need to get a fistula which may look like a swelling on your arm or wherever the fistula is made. In case of a jugular catheter you will have a couple of small tubes usually near your neck.
Infection
The chances of catching infections is high on PD. If proper washing techniques and sterile procedures are not followed, it is possible that you may catch bacterial infections which may lead to having to remove the PD catheter. In hemodialysis, it is possible that you may catch infections if the proper washing procedures are not followed especially during reprocessing of the dialyser and tubes.
Diet and fluid restrictions:
With Peritoneal Dialysis, there are generally fewer diet and fluid restrictions as compared to hemodialysis.
Travel
It is generally easier to travel with PD since you can carry your supplies with you. With hemo travel is possible but you can travel for short periods and come back in time for your next session or you can travel to a place where there is a hospital or center that offers dialysis.
Treatment process
PD is considered to be less risky as a process because there is no blood going out of your system as in hemo. Also, PD offers continuous dialysis whereas hemo is intermittent.
Cost
PD could be slightly cheaper than hemodialysis.
Body Art!!!
In PD, you will need to have a catheter (tube) inside your stomach the outer part of which will be outside your body. The tube is usually wrapped in a small pouch that is fastened around your stomach. With hemo, you will need to get a fistula which may look like a swelling on your arm or wherever the fistula is made. In case of a jugular catheter you will have a couple of small tubes usually near your neck.
Infection
The chances of catching infections is high on PD. If proper washing techniques and sterile procedures are not followed, it is possible that you may catch bacterial infections which may lead to having to remove the PD catheter. In hemodialysis, it is possible that you may catch infections if the proper washing procedures are not followed especially during reprocessing of the dialyser and tubes.