Definition

Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys if they fail. The kidneys have many functions that help your body stay healthy. They help clear toxins out of your blood and help your body balance salt levels. Most people begin dialysis when their kidneys have lost 85%-90% of their ability. You may be on dialysis for a short time, you may need it for the rest of your life, or until you receive a kidney transplant.

If you have kidneys that are not working and the damage is not reversible, you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is caused by conditions such as diabetes, kidney cancer, drug use, high blood pressure, or other kidney problems. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD, but it does help you feel better and live longer.

There are 2 types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. This fact sheet will focus on peritoneal dialysis.

Reasons for Procedure    TOP

The main functions of peritoneal dialysis are to:

• Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood
• Control blood pressure
• Keep a safe level of salts in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride

Possible Complications    TOP

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

• Anemia from a low red blood cell count
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headaches
• Feeling hot, sweaty, weak, and/or lightheaded
• Infection of the abdominal cavity—peritonitis
• Inflammation of the heart sac—pericarditis
• Neurological problems
• Disruption of calcium and phosphorus balance, resulting in weakened bones

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

• Smoking
• Drinking
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect    TOP

Description of the Procedure

Peritoneal dialysis can often be done at home.

The abdominal lining is called the peritoneal membrane. It is used to filter blood. A cleansing solution, called a dialysate, is inserted into your abdominal cavity through a tube. Fluid, wastes, and chemicals pass from the tiny blood vessels in the peritoneal membrane into the dialysate. The dialysate is drained after several hours. New dialysate can be added to repeat the process.

There are 3 types of peritoneal dialysis:

• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) —This is the most common type of peritoneal dialysis. A bag of dialysate is infused into the abdomen through a tube called a catheter. It remains there for 3-6 hours and is drained. The abdomen is refilled with fresh solution. This way, your blood is always being cleaned.
• Continuous cyclical peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) —Infusing and refilling the abdomen with dialysate is done by machine. It is done at night while you are sleeping.
• Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) —This uses the same type of machine as CCPD. It requires assistance and is usually done at a hospital or center. It often takes longer than CCPD.

Peritoneal Dialysis Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Call Your Doctor    TOP

Contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the catheter or tube insertion site
• Blood or cloudiness in the peritoneal dialysis fluid
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Lightheadedness

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.