What is peritoneal dialysis?

Dialysis does the work of your kidneys when you have kidney failure. It filters wastes and removes extra fluid. And it works to restore the right balance of chemicals in the blood.

Peritoneal dialysis (say "pair-uh-tuh-NEE-uhl dy-AL-uh-sus") uses the lining of your belly to filter your blood. This lining is called the peritoneal membrane.

Before you can start this type of dialysis, a doctor has to make a dialysis access in your belly. This is the place where the fluid (dialysis solution) flows into and out of your body. This is most often done 10 to 14 days before dialysis starts.

You don't need to go to a dialysis center for peritoneal dialysis. Instead, you will do your own treatments at home or in any clean place. You may be able to do it when you sleep.

You can do peritoneal dialysis yourself or have a machine help you.

Peritoneal dialysis replaces the work of the kidneys after complications of kidney failure develop.

The process of doing peritoneal dialysis is called an exchange. Each exchange has three steps: fill, dwell, and drain.

Fill:

Dialysis fluid enters your belly through the catheter. The fluid is a mix of sugar, water, and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Dwell:

While the fluid is in your belly, extra fluid and waste travel into the dialysis fluid.

Drain:

The fluid is drained and then replaced with new fluid.

There are different types of peritoneal dialysis. Discuss these treatment methods with your doctor to decide which one might work best for you:

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

During CAPD, the dialysate solution stays in your belly for about 4 to 6 hours. After this time, the solution is drained out of your belly. Your belly is then refilled with fresh solution. You need to change the solution several times a day.

Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).

During CCPD, a machine automatically fills and drains the dialysate from your belly. This process takes about 8 to 12 hours, so you can do CCPD at night while you sleep.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) does not fully replace normal kidney function. It does not reverse chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. PD only provides up to 10% of normal kidney function. For this reason, it's important to take your medicines as instructed and follow your eating plan.

Care of the catheter and access

• After the doctor creates your access, keep the bandage dry and clean. Change a dirty or bloody bandage.
• Keep your access area clean and dry. Check it every day for signs of infection.
• Always clean and dry your catheter and access area right away after you get wet.
• Always wash your hands before you touch the catheter.
• Fasten or tape the catheter to your body to keep it from catching on your clothes.
• Never use scissors or other sharp objects around your catheter.
• Do not use unapproved clamps on your catheter.
• Store your dialysis supplies in a cool, dry place.

Activity when you have an access

• Do not lift heavy objects.
• Do not swim or take a bath unless your doctor tells you it is okay.