Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are both used to treat kidney failure. Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to filter wastes and remove extra fluid from the blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal membrane) and a solution (dialysate) to remove wastes and extra fluid from the body.
Hemodialysis is used to treat kidney failure. Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to filter waste products and to remove extra fluid from the blood.