What is peritoneal dialysis?

A catheter is placed into the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. Through this tube, a dialysis solution flows into your body and remains there for a few hours. During that time, the solution absorbs toxins and excess water from the organism. It is then drained out and replaced with fresh solution.  

Peritoneal dialysis is carried out at the patient’s home and can be done either manually or automatically.

• Manual or Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD). Between 1 and 4 dialysis solution exchanges are performed by hand each day. 

• Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD). It is performed using a machine, usually at night, over the course of 8-10 hours while the patient is asleep.

Peritoneal dialysis is performed every day. 

In general, both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are safe and well tolerated techniques. However, some people may experience certain discomfort, especially at the beginning. The patient might feel a sensation of abdominal swelling or mild discomfort related to the catheter. These sensations usually decrease over time. 
 

It is better tolerated, allows for more flexible scheduling, offers greater autonomy, involves fewer dietary restrictions and is better for heart health. 

Peritoneal dialysis can also be used in patients with heart failure who do not respond to diuretic therapy.