Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis

Overview

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a form of dialysis that serves as an artificial method of detoxication, where a toxic substance from the body is transferred into a dialysis fluid that is instilled into the peritoneum. This technique utilizes the peritoneum in the abdominal cavity as a dialysing membrane, facilitating the removal of waste products or toxins that have accumulated due to renal failure. Peritoneal Dialysis is a critical treatment option for patients with severe chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, offering an alternative to hemodialysis.

Illustration of the Peritoneal Dialysis process.

Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis operates on the principle of diffusion and osmosis across the peritoneal membrane. The peritoneum acts as a semi-permeable membrane, allowing the exchange of waste, chemicals, and fluids between the blood and the dialysis solution instilled in the abdominal cavity.

Types of Peritoneal Dialysis

• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): The most common form of PD, which does not require a machine. Dialysis fluid is manually exchanged four to five times a day.
• Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): Also known as Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD), it uses a machine to perform multiple fluid exchanges at night while the patient sleeps.

Procedure

The PD procedure involves filling the abdominal cavity with a dialysis solution that attracts waste products and excess fluids through the peritoneal membrane. After a specified dwell time, the solution, now containing the filtered wastes, is drained and replaced with fresh solution.

Setup for Peritoneal Dialysis at home.

Advantages

Peritoneal Dialysis offers several advantages over hemodialysis, including greater flexibility in scheduling, the ability to dialyze at home, and typically fewer dietary restrictions. It also allows for a more continuous process of waste removal, which can be gentler on the body.

Complications

Potential complications of Peritoneal Dialysis include infection (peritonitis), hernias, lower back problems, and issues related to the dialysis solution, such as glucose absorption leading to weight gain.

See Also

• Dialysis
• Renal failure
• Hemodialysis
• Kidney transplant

References

• National Kidney Foundation
• Mayo Clinic

External Links

• National Kidney Foundation - Peritoneal Dialysis
• Mayo Clinic - Peritoneal Dialysis

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