When your kidneys can no longer filter effectively and safely remove waste and excess fluid from your blood, dialysis plays a critical role in maintaining your health and well-being. At South Texas Renal Care Group, we recognize that the decision of “which type of dialysis is right for me?” isn’t only about medical necessity — it’s also about your lifestyle, comfort, and independence. Ultimately, the decision of what type of dialysis is best for you will depend on factors unique to you that your dedicated nephrologist will help walk you through.
This article will explain the two primary dialysis modalities (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) and compare the setting options (in-center vs at-home), preparing you to confidently discuss your options with your care team from an informed perspective.
Understanding Dialysis: What It Does
Dialysis is the process of using external or internal filtration methods to remove waste, salt and extra fluid from the body when the kidneys can’t do the job alone. Our specialists start with a full assessment of your kidney function, general health status, and lifestyle. Then we match you with a treatment plan that best aligns with your medical needs as well as your daily life.
There are two main dialysis types: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis: How It Works & Key Facts
In hemodialysis, your blood is routed out of your body into a machine (dialyzer) that filters waste and fluid and then returns the cleaned blood. Your doctor will create vascular access (often in your arm) to connect to the machine.
With STRCG’s in-center hemodialysis option, treatment is typically done three times per week, with each session lasting about four hours at our specialized clinics.
Pros
- Performed by trained staff in one of our conveniently located dialysis centers — you have professional support and monitoring throughout the session.
- Because the treatment is consolidated into fewer weekly visits, you may have more free time.
- Access types (fistula, graft) are well-understood and widely used.
Cons
- Fixed schedule and required travel to a dialysis center several times per week.
- Less flexibility in day-to-day routine.
- Because treatments are less frequent but longer, the physical impact may be more concentrated.
Considerations
Your nephrologist will determine if your vascular access is suitable, whether you have comorbidities (heart, blood vessel issues) that make this route safer, and how this fits with your lifestyle and work/travel commitments.
Peritoneal Dialysis: How It Works & Key Facts
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum) as the filtering membrane. A catheter is placed in your belly, and sterile fluid (dialysate) flows into the abdominal cavity; wastes and excess fluid pass through the peritoneal lining into the fluid, which is then drained.
At STRCG, we offer the possibility of peritoneal dialysis for qualifying patients. Some forms can be done at home, including while you sleep.
Pros
- Greater flexibility: many treatments can be done at home/daytime or overnight.
- Often allows more freedom in lifestyle — you may travel, work or carry on many daily activities with less interruption.
- Because you’re doing dialysis more frequently (or continuously) in many cases, the impact on your body may be gentler.
Cons
- Requires a home environment that meets hygiene and space standards, and you (or a designated caregiver) must be willing to learn and manage your treatments.
- Not everyone is a candidate: your overall health, abdominal condition, home environment, and availability of a caregiver all matter.
- There is risk (though controlled) of infection (peritonitis) and the responsibility is greater for the patient/caregiver.
Considerations
If you have a stable home environment, a supportive caregiver or partner, and a lifestyle where greater flexibility is a priority, then peritoneal at-home dialysis may be the best fit for you. But the decision will be made together with your nephrologist.
In-Clinic vs At-Home Dialysis: What’s the Difference?
In-clinic dialysis takes place at an STRCG dialysis center, offering direct professional supervision, a structured schedule, and immediate access to medical support — ideal for patients who prefer hands-on care or don’t wish to manage treatment at home. At-home dialysis, on the other hand, allows you to perform treatment in your own residence with training and ongoing support from our expert care teams. This option offers greater flexibility, the ability to schedule treatments around your daily routine (including overnight options), and less travel, making it easier to integrate dialysis into work, family life, and personal commitments.
Medical Eligibility & Prerequisites
Eligibility is determined by your nephrologist at STRCG and depends on your overall health, access type, support at home, and your preferences. For home dialysis, you’ll receive personalized training and guidance.
How to Decide: Factors to Discuss With Your Care Team
Choosing the right dialysis type is a discussion — not a solo decision. Here are key questions to bring to your next visit with your nephrologist:
- What is my current kidney function and what access type do I have or will need?
- Am I medically eligible for home dialysis? If yes, what training will I receive?
- What are my lifestyle goals (work, travel, family time)? Which modality supports them best?
- What does the schedule look like for in-center vs home?
- Who will be my support team, and how does the clinic keep monitoring me?
- If I choose home dialysis, what happens if I travel, or have to be away from home?
At STRCG, our team of board-certified kidney specialists and trained staff are committed to helping you explore all these questions. You can also visit our Meet Our Team page to learn more about the physicians and staff who will support you every step of the way.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
There is no single “right” dialysis type for everyone. The best choice is the one that aligns with your medical condition and your lifestyle. Whether you receive dialysis at one of our in-center locations or at home, the goal remains the same: safe, effective treatment that helps you live your fullest life.
Reach out to South Texas Renal Care Group today to schedule a consultation, review your options, and decide confidently with your care team what’s right for you.
