What is the primary advantage of peritoneal dialysis compared to hemodialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is primarily advantageous because it is performed continuously throughout the day, which allows for a more stable removal of waste products and fluid from the body. This continuous approach helps maintain a more consistent environment in the body’s internal chemistry, reducing fluctuations in electrolyte and fluid levels that can occur with the intermittent nature of hemodialysis treatments.

While peritoneal dialysis can indeed be done at home, making it feel less dependent on medical equipment, this is not the main advantage in comparison to hemodialysis. The method does not inherently reduce the risk of infection more than hemodialysis; in fact, there is a risk of peritonitis with peritoneal dialysis. The treatments do not provide quicker results than hemodialysis, which typically allows for more immediate removal of waste. Thus, the continuous nature of peritoneal dialysis is what sets it apart as the primary advantage, contributing to improved patient comfort and quality of life.