Preparing for Your Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement
Get ready for your peritoneal dialysis access with confidence. Find out about PD catheters, how they're put in place, and helpful recovery tips from experts.
If you’re starting peritoneal dialysis (PD), you will need an access called a peritoneal dialysis catheter. Planning ahead for your catheter placement gives you time to heal so you’re ready for dialysis.
What is a PD catheter?
A PD catheter is a small plastic tube placed in your abdomen. The tube is placed into the peritoneal space through the skin and peritoneal membrane—the thin membrane that lines your abdominal wall.
A short piece of the tube remains outside of your abdomen. This will connect to your dialysis machine or solution bag, allowing you to perform PD.
Planning for your PD catheter
Planning ahead for your placement is important because you need time for healing and for PD training before you begin dialysis. Once you choose PD and are nearing the time to start dialysis, your nephrologist will recommend a surgeon for your catheter placement.
You will meet with the surgeon for an evaluation and to set a procedure date. Your surgeon will discuss where to place your catheter on your body to help avoid irritation and infection. They will also provide instructions on how to prepare for your procedure.
The day of PD catheter placement
On the day of your catheter placement, you will arrive at the surgery center and return home the same day. The procedure typically takes about an hour, but you will need more time before and after to get ready and then recover.
Depending on your health history, you will get either general or local anesthesia. You will discuss this with your surgeon before the day of placement.
Your surgical team will send you home with pain medication to manage any discomfort you may have after your procedure.
Recovering from PD catheter placement
It may take several weeks to recover fully from your procedure. Your care team will help you learn how to care for and monitor your PD catheter so you’re ready for dialysis. You can speed up your recovery by:
- Getting rest
- Taking your pain medications if needed
- Checking daily for signs of infection like redness, tenderness, or swelling
- Keeping your catheter dry and avoiding activities that would get your dressing wet
We are here to help
We are here to support you along the way. Reach out if you have questions about your PD access placement.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.