Comparative chart

Comparing dialysis options

There are different benefits and considerations for PD and ICHD. Please remember that every patient differs in terms of age, medical condition, physical condition, and lifestyle choices. It's best to discuss medical and lifestyle considerations with your healthcare team so you understand all the treatment options and how they might impact you. Below is a quick comparative chart for different types of dialysis.

Type of dialysis	Benefits	Some points to consider
PD	Fit your treatment around your lifestyle (e.g. flexibility for work, school, and other activities) Portable and flexible - easy to take your therapy with you when you travel Continuous therapy is gentler and more like your natural kidney function Fewer visits to the dialysis unit for treatment No needles Independence - you typically perform your therapy yourself Can do dialysis therapy while you sleep	Daily exchanges Permanent access catheter Storage space in your home Potential feeling of fullness
ICHD	Regular contact with other hemodialysis patients and staff 3 treatments per week No need for keeping equipment/supplies at home Immediate access to medical help during therapy	Travel to center/unit 3 times a week, on a fixed schedule for an average of 4 hours each treatment Need for permanent access Insertion of 2 needles for each treatment Possible discomfort such as headache, nausea, leg cramps, tiredness

Type of dialysis

Benefits

Some points to consider

Fit your treatment around your lifestyle (e.g. flexibility for work, school, and other activities)
Portable and flexible - easy to take your therapy with you when you travel
Continuous therapy is gentler and more like your natural kidney function
Fewer visits to the dialysis unit for treatment
No needles
Independence - you typically perform your therapy yourself
Can do dialysis therapy while you sleep

Daily exchanges
Permanent access catheter
Storage space in your home
Potential feeling of fullness

ICHD

Regular contact with other hemodialysis patients and staff
3 treatments per week
No need for keeping equipment/supplies at home
Immediate access to medical help during therapy

Travel to center/unit 3 times a week, on a fixed schedule for an average of 4 hours each treatment
Need for permanent access
Insertion of 2 needles for each treatment
Possible discomfort such as headache, nausea, leg cramps, tiredness