National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse
Information about peritoneal dialysis and how it works.
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Replacing the work of your kidneys when waiting for a transplant or if transplant isn’t an option
If you have kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis works to clear waste and extra fluid from your blood, replacing the work your kidneys used to do. One type of dialysis, hemodialysis uses a machine to filter your blood. Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, filters your blood through the lining of your abdominal cavity, at your convenience at home.
If you have kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis works to clear waste and extra fluid from your blood, replacing the work your kidneys used to do. One type of dialysis, hemodialysis uses a machine to filter your blood. Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, filters your blood through the lining of your abdominal cavity, at your convenience at home.
If you and your physicians have agreed that this is an appropriate option for you, you will undergo a minor surgical procedure to have a catheter (plastic tube) placed in your abdomen. Once you are healed from the surgery, you will start performing the dialysis.
Depending on your medical needs, you and your care team will determine the peritonal dialysis process that is best for you. This includes the number of exchanges (removal of fluid and refilling the abdominal cavity with fluid) per day, the type and volume of fluid (dialysate) to be used, and whether a machine will be used to perform the fluid exchanges. Since you will be doing this at home, you’ll also be taught the process. It’s important that you stick to the schedule that was set up for you and not miss any scheduled exchanges.
If you and your physicians have agreed that this is an appropriate option for you, you will undergo a minor surgical procedure to have a catheter (plastic tube) placed in your abdomen. Once you are healed from the surgery, you will start performing the dialysis.
Depending on your medical needs, you and your care team will determine the peritonal dialysis process that is best for you. This includes the number of exchanges (removal of fluid and refilling the abdominal cavity with fluid) per day, the type and volume of fluid (dialysate) to be used, and whether a machine will be used to perform the fluid exchanges. Since you will be doing this at home, you’ll also be taught the process. It’s important that you stick to the schedule that was set up for you and not miss any scheduled exchanges.
You will probably have a lot of questions about dialysis and your care. Here are a few to get you started:
You will probably have a lot of questions about dialysis and your care. Here are a few to get you started:
Information about peritoneal dialysis and how it works.
Provides information for patients considering peritoneal dialysis.
Information about peritoneal dialysis and how it works.
Provides information for patients considering peritoneal dialysis.