Peritoneal Dialysis cleanses the blood of waste
products and excess fluid by using a membrane, called the peritoneum,
that lines the inside of your abdominal cavity and surrounds your
intestines and organs. The lining forms a thin sack that leaves
a space in the belly called the peritoneal cavity. A special sterile
liquid, called dialysate, is placed in the peritoneal cavity from
a bag and tubing system. The system is connected to a small flexible
tube, called a catheter, which is inserted in the abdomen by a
surgeon.
The dialysate stays in the belly for four to six
hours before being drained along with the toxins and fluid from
the blood that have been filtered by the peritoneum. New dialysate
solution is then refilled in the cavity for another four to six
hours. This is called an exchange. Patients usually do four exchanges
every day. Each exchange may take about 30 minutes. Exchanges
may be done at home or in any clean place, such as work or school.
A nurse trains the patient how to do exchanges and is always available
for questions or problems. There is no machine needed. Supplies
are delivered directly to the home. This kind of peritoneal dialysis
is called Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).
Another kind of peritoneal dialysis is continuous
Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD). This method uses the same
peritoneal membrane as a filter and the peritoneal catheter in
the abdomen. CCPD is done at home overnight (up to 10 hours) using
a special machine, called the cycler, to fill and drain the peritoneal
cavity with dialysate. By morning, the toxins and fluid have been
safely removed from the patient's blood.
Because you are constantly dialyzing while on CAPD
or CCPD, your diet and fluids may be less restricted. It is still
important to take your medications and see your physician. Some
pros and cons to be aware of when considering peritoneal dialysis
are listed below:
Advantages
Allows you to be independent and perform treatment
yourself.
Can be done at flexible hours.
Can be done in any clean location.
Fewer diet restrictions.
Allows greater ease in travel.
Training period is four to five days.
Medicare reimbursement begins the day you
begin training, if eligible for Social Security.
Disadvantages
Must be performed daily, usually four times a
day.
Risk of infection.
Potential weight gain.
Fluid may increase the size of the abdomen.
Requires a plastic tube in the abdomen wall.
Supplies need to be stored at home or taken along
with you for exchanges away from home.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
