What are the differences between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Both means to an end: Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis both accomplish filtering the blood of impurities. Hemodialysis is done by rapidly filtering the blood through a machine using a catheter or a surgically created access. Sessions usually last four hours and are done three times a week. Peritoneal dialysis is done by instilling special fluid into the abdomen and overnight the impurities are removed.