Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneum, to filter your blood inside your body. Here’s how it works:
● Dialysis Fluid: A special fluid is introduced into your abdominal cavity through a small, soft tube called a catheter.
● Absorption and Filtration: The peritoneum acts as a natural filter, allowing waste products and excess fluids to pass from your blood into the dialysis fluid.
● Drainage: After a few hours, the used fluid, now containing waste products, is drained out and replaced with fresh fluid.

The best type of peritoneal dialysis depends on your lifestyle, medical condition, and personal preference. Factors to consider include:
● Flexibility: CAPD offers more flexibility during the night, while APD offers more flexibility during the day.
● Independence: Some patients prefer the independence of CAPD, while others like the convenience of APD.
● Medical Needs: Your doctor will help determine which type is best based on your specific health needs.

Peritoneal dialysis can be done in various convenient locations, such as:
● At Home: Most people perform their dialysis treatments in the comfort of their own homes.
● At Work or School: With CAPD, you can carry the necessary supplies and perform exchanges at work or school.
● While Traveling: Portable supplies and the ease of performing exchanges make it possible to travel.

Starting peritoneal dialysis can bring some changes to your daily routine, but you’ll receive full support to adapt:
● Diet: You may need to follow a special diet tailored to your needs. Usually, the diet in peritoneal dialysis is less restricted than the diet for patients on hemodialysis allowing peritoneal dialysis patients to eat more of the foods they enjoy.
● Lifestyle: You might need to adjust your schedule to accommodate dialysis exchanges.
● Energy Levels: Many patients report feeling better and having more energy once they start dialysis.
● Support: Regular follow-ups and support from your healthcare team will ensure you adjust smoothly.

While peritoneal dialysis is generally safe, there are potential issues to be aware of:
● Infection: Unfortunately, infection problem are associated with any kind of dialysis. In peritoneal dialysis, there is risk of peritonitis (infection of the peritoneum) which can be minimized with proper hygiene and care. This is an infection limited to the abdomen. In general, this is less severe than bloodstream infections associated with hemodialysis.
● Hernias: Increased pressure in the abdomen can lead to hernias.
● Catheter Problems: Issues with the catheter, such as blockage or displacement, infrequently occur.
● Fluid Overload: In any type of dialysis, managing fluid intake is important to avoid excess fluid in the body. This is less of a problem with peritoneal dialysis than hemodialysis, which usually makes peritoneal dialysis preferred in patients who have a problem retaining excess fluid in the body.

Your healthcare team will monitor your progress to ensure the treatment is effective:
● Regular Tests: Blood tests and other monitoring to check your levels of waste products and electrolytes are typically done monthly.
● Symptom Relief: Improvement in symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath.
● Health Checkups: Routine checkups to monitor your overall health and dialysis effectiveness.