Definition

Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys. It will help to clear toxins from the blood. It will also help to balance fluid and salt levels in the body. There are two types of dialysis. This fact sheet will focus on peritoneal dialysis. It uses the lining of your abdomen and a special solution to filter your blood.

You may be on dialysis for a short time, or you may need it for the rest of your life.

Reasons for Procedure

The kidneys have many important jobs. They clear toxins out of your blood and help balance salt levels. Dialysis may be needed if the kidneys are not able to work well. It may be started when the kidneys have lost more than 90% of their function.

The main functions of peritoneal dialysis are to:

• Remove wastes and extra fluids from your blood
• Control blood pressure
• Keep a safe level of salts in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride

Dialysis may be used short term to allow your kidneys to rest and heal. If the kidney damage is permanent, dialysis will be needed for the rest of your life. It can improve the quality and length of life in people with severe kidney disease.

It may not be appropriate for all. People with obesity or previous surgery on abdomen may not be able to use this dialysis method.

Possible Complications

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

• Fluid leaking around the catheter
• Infection in the belly— peritonitis
• Infection around the catheter
• Constipation
• Failure to drain or instill the fluid
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headaches
• Feeling hot, sweaty, weak, and/or lightheaded
• 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 disease such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

A solution, called a dialysate, is passed through your tube. It will remain in the abdomen for the next few hours.

The lining of the abdomen has many tiny blood vessels. The solution sits next to these blood vessels. Fluid, waste, and chemicals can move from these blood vessels into the solution. The solution will be drained with waste and others after several hours. New solution may then be added to repeat the process.

There are different delivery options:

• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)—This is the most common type. The solution remains for 3 to 6 hours. It will then be drained and refilled. It may be repeated 3 to 5 days over the day. This type can often be done at home. You can do normal activity while the solution is in.
• Continuous cyclical peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)—A machine fills and drains the abdomen. It is often done at night while you sleep.
• Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD)—Uses the same type of machine as CCPD. It is often done at a hospital or center. It also takes longer than CCPD.

Peritoneal Dialysis Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Call Your Doctor

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
• Belly pain
• Lightheadedness

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