<s>[INST] WHAT IS DIALYSIS? [/INST] Dialysis is the removal of body wastes and water from the blood. There are two types: haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). In the UK, approximately half of the patients on dialysis have PD and the other half have HD - most patients can have either type. Both work in a similar way. Each method has two main processes:- Diffusion removes the body wastes and ultrafiltration removes the excess water.

What is the difference between the two dialysis systems?

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
In Peritoneal dialysis the process takes place inside the patients abdomen, it is suitable for most people with End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF). The abdominal lining acts as the dialysis membrane. Dialysis fluid from a bag is drained into the peritoneal cavity in the abdomen, left there until dialysis has taken place, and then drained out. Patients are trained to do this themselves at home which gives them independence, although storage space is needed to accommodate bulky supplies of dialysis fluid. Peritonitis is the main problem with PD.

HAEMODIALYSIS
In haemodialysis the process takes place inside a machine, it is suitable for most people with kidney failure. Blood is taken from the body, pumped into the dialysis machine, cleaned and pumped back into the body. It is usually done three times a week, each session lasting 3 to 5 hours. Access to the patient’s blood stream is usually by a dialysis catheter (plastic tube inserted into a large vein) or a fistula (made by joining a vein to an artery). Most patients have haemodialysis in a hospital, but some have it in a satellite dialysis unit or at home. Some patients may feel sick or dizzy during a session. Haemodialysis patients have a stricter fluid restriction than PD patients. Source: NATIONAL KIDNEY FEDERATION. Link: https://www.kidney.org.uk/pages/faqs/category/faqs. Field: Nephrology. Disease: Kidney Disease </s>