What are the two main modalities of dialysis and a key disadvantage of peritoneal dialysis?

• A. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; peritoneal dialysis risk of peritonitis
• B. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; risk of thrombosis
• C. Transplant and dialysis; risk of rejection
• D. Peritoneal dialysis only; risk of hernia

Answer: (A)

Two main dialysis options exist: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis cleans blood via a machine, while peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter by filling the abdomen with dialysate, letting it dwell, and then draining it.

A key disadvantage of peritoneal dialysis is the risk of peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity, often from contamination during exchanges or from the catheter. This infection can be serious and may require antibiotics, hospitalization, or a switch to hemodialysis. Transplant isn’t a dialysis method, and thrombosis is more tied to vascular access for hemodialysis, not the main drawback of peritoneal dialysis.