What is peritoneal dialysis?
“Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure. It can act as an artificial kidney and help rid the body of waste products while maintaining fluid balance. It uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood inside a person’s body.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a healthcare professional places a catheter, which is a soft tube, in the abdomen, or belly. A few weeks later, a person will put a special solution called dialysate into the belly through the catheter.
When this is done, a person can disconnect the bag, place a cap on the catheter, and resume normal activities. After a few hours, they use the catheter to drain the fluid. This is called an exchange.
A person engaging in peritoneal dialysis exchanges may do so 4–6 times a day.
Does it hurt?
The process should not cause pain. People can expect to feel normal or bloated when the solution is in the belly.
Because of this, people may be more comfortable wearing larger clothing sizes.” – Via MedicalNewsToday.Com
- No partner required
- Dialysis every night estimated 6-8 hours while you sleep
- Requires catheter placed in abdomen area. Catheter used as an access for PD solution in/out the peritoneal cavity
- Doesn’t require needles or blood for dialysis.
- Portable therapy, easy for travel RN will train patient to perform peritoneal dialysis at home.