What are the two main types of dialysis used for patients with kidney failure?

The two main types of dialysis used for patients with kidney failure are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves circulating the patient's blood outside the body through a machine that filters out waste products and excess fluids before returning it to the patient. This method typically requires a vascular access point, such as an arteriovenous fistula or catheter.

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, uses the patient's peritoneal cavity as a filter. A dialysis solution is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter, allowing waste products and excess fluids to be drawn from the blood into the solution. After a prescribed dwell time, the solution is drained, taking the waste products with it. This method can often be done at home and provides greater flexibility for patients.

This understanding of the two primary methods of dialysis is essential for managing patients with kidney failure effectively. Other options, while they involve aspects of renal care or removal of substances from blood, are not classified as the primary methods of dialysis treatment for kidney failure.