Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter waste, toxins, and excess fluid from your blood. It is an alternative to hemodialysis and can often be done at home, providing more flexibility for patients.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a kidney replacement therapy that utilizes the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter. This treatment is an alternative to hemodialysis and provides patients with kidney failure a way to manage their condition more flexibly, often in a home environment. Here’s a detailed look at what peritoneal dialysis entails, its benefits, drawbacks, and considerations.
How It Works
- Dialysis Solution: A sterile fluid containing sugar (dextrose) or other osmotic agents is introduced into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter.
- Filtration: The peritoneum acts as a natural filter, allowing waste products and excess fluids to pass from the blood into the dialysis solution.
- Drainage: After a few hours, the solution, now containing waste products, is drained and replaced with fresh fluid.
Types of Peritoneal Dialysis
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD):
- Performed manually throughout the day (typically 4-5 times).
- Each exchange takes 20-30 minutes.
- No machine required.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD):
- Done using a machine (cycler) at night while the patient sleeps.
- Multiple exchanges occur automatically.
Advantages
- Flexibility and independence.
- Can be done at home or while traveling.
- Less dietary restriction compared to hemodialysis.
- Continuous filtration mimics natural kidney function.
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Lifestyle Adjustments
- Hygiene: Strict cleanliness to prevent infections.
- Diet: Adjustments to protein, potassium, sodium, and fluid intake as per medical advice.
- Activity: Regular physical activity, but avoid strenuous activities that strain the abdomen.
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