What Is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)?
Your belly contains a membrane called the peritoneum that can filter your blood of toxins, balance electrolytes, buffer acid, and remove fluid when your kidneys cannot perform these functions. This process, known as peritoneal dialysis, has been refined over many years and allows you to use your own body as a dialysis machine at home.
Before starting PD, a surgeon will place a peritoneal catheter. In most cases, you can begin using it shortly after insertion. You and your care partner will receive thorough training on catheter care and hygiene protocols.
During treatment, the abdominal cavity is filled with a prescribed solution called dialysate. Extra fluids and waste products move from your blood into this fluid, and clean blood stays in circulation. The solution is then drained out and the process repeats — either manually by you or automatically by a cycler machine.
Two Types of Home-Based PD Treatments
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): Performed three to five times daily without a machine. Each treatment takes approximately 40 minutes.
- Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): A machine automatically delivers and drains fluid while you sleep.
PD is as effective as hemodialysis for blood cleansing and offers the advantage of being gentler on your body with greater scheduling flexibility through home-based treatment.