Peritoneal Dialysis
This topic will help you learn about peritoneal dialysis (PD) and how to prepare for it.
What is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)?
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) aims to remove toxins, excess salts, and minerals from the blood of patients with kidney failure. It relies on using the peritoneal membrane (known as the peritoneum) as a filter to purify the blood inside the body. This membrane contains thousands of tiny blood vessels, making it an effective means of blood filtration. This procedure occurs inside the body, where the lining covers the organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the stomach, liver, spleen, and intestines, and is characterized by a rich blood supply.
How is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) performed?
A few weeks before starting peritoneal dialysis, a surgical procedure is performed to insert a catheter, which is a thin tube, into the abdominal cavity. This catheter is left permanently in place.
Infusion of peritoneal dialysis solution:
At the start of treatment, a dialysis solution (a solution containing water, salt, and other additives) is pumped from a bag through the catheter into the abdominal cavity. This solution remains inside the abdomen for a specific period of time, during which it absorbs waste and excess fluids from the blood through the blood vessels located in the walls of the cavity.
Drainage of the peritoneal dialysis solution:
After several hours, the used solution is drained into an empty bag, and then it is replaced with a new bag of solution.
- What are the types of peritoneal dialysis?
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD):
- The fluid is changed manually, with each exchange taking about 30 to 40 minutes. The solution remains in the abdomen for 4 to 6 hours, and typically, four exchanges are performed daily. During the time the solution is in the abdomen, the person can carry out their daily activities.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD):
This type uses a machine to change the fluid. Three to five exchanges are performed overnight while the person sleeps, usually taking 8 to 10 hours. In the morning, the person starts the day with a new solution in the abdomen, which can be left in place all day or exchanged once at midday.
When is peritoneal dialysis performed?
- Peritoneal dialysis is started in:
- The final stage of chronic kidney disease, when kidney function reaches only 10% to 15% of its normal capacity, and it continues for life unless a kidney transplant is performed.
Acute kidney failure, often resulting from a serious illness or accident, in which case dialysis may be a short-term treatment.
Health guidelines for performing peritoneal dialysis?
- Before undergoing peritoneal dialysis, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:
- Storing supplies: Keep your supplies in a cool, clean, and dry place.
- Checking the solution: Inspect each bag of solution to ensure there are no signs of contamination, such as cloudiness, before use.
- Choosing the location: Select a clean, dry, and well-lit area.
- Handwashing: Wash your hands whenever you need to handle the catheter.
- Skin cleaning: Clean the skin where the catheter enters your body daily, following the instructions of the healthcare team.
Wearing a mask: Wear a mask during dialysis to protect yourself from infection.
Following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is peritoneal dialysis selected?
- The doctor discusses dialysis options with the patient, taking into account:
- The patient’s lifestyle.
- Personal preferences.
The suitability of their health condition.
What are the potential problems and complications associated with peritoneal dialysis?
- There are some potential problems with peritoneal dialysis, which are:
- Infection: An infection can occur at the catheter site or as peritonitis, which is an infection of the fluid inside the abdomen.
- Hernia: This can occur due to increased pressure from the weight of the dialysis solution in the abdomen.
