The Two Types of Dialysis Essay
Dialysis is a special procedure that is able to substitute the function of kidneys when this organ fails. There are two primary types of dialysis that are quite different from each other.
The first type is called hemodialysis. The basic procedure for it is quite simple: the blood is pumped out of the body into the dialyzer. The latter consists of tiny synthetic fibers that serve as a membrane. By using pressure, the blood is sucked through them and pumped back into the body. The second type is called peritoneal dialysis. The dialysate is administered through a catheter in the abdominal cavity. In this case, peritoneum serves as the membrane.The Two Types of Dialysis Essay
The first type is associated with moderate costs due to the sophisticated equipment involved. In addition to that, it also required some disposable materials, like the fibers used in the dialyzer. Contrary to that, peritoneal dialysis is less expensive since only need a package of dialysate and some experience to administer it properly. There is no need in trained personnel.
The first type has a significant impact on the quality of life of a person since one has to go to the hospital on average three times a week which it both time-consuming and costly. The second type provides more freedom to a person since it can be performed at home without any additional medical training. However, it is also less effective than the first one.
It is important for Healthcare Administrator to understand the different in order to choose the best type based on one’s resources. It is obvious that if a person cannot afford long-lasting dialysis, there is no point in starting this particular type. Secondly, the understanding of the differences can also help the Healthcare Administrator to choose the type that would have least negative impact on the quality of life of a person.The Two Types of Dialysis Essay
References
Bloembergen, W. E., Port, F. K., Mauger, E. A., & Wolfe, R. A. (1995). A comparison of mortality between patients treated with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 6(2), 177-183.
Vonesh, E. F., Snyder, J. O. N. J., Foley, R. N., & Collins, A. J. (2004). The differential impact of risk factors on mortality in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Kidney international, 66(6), 2389-2401.The Two Types of Dialysis Essay