Peritoneal dialysis: Marginal dialysis?

Abstract

In my routine clinical practice I often asked myself why two complementary dialysis techniques (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) should be in conflict. Possible explanations may refer to the competence in performing peritoneal dialysis, the dominant position of private practice hemodialysis units, and the shortage of nurses and physicians. Nevertheless we must provide complete information to our patients approaching renal replacement therapy, as to offer them the most comfortable dialysis conditions to alleviate the disease's discomfort.