What is peritoneal dialysis (PD)?
Find out how peritoneal dialysis (PD) can give you more freedom in your daily life. Discover the types of PD, its benefits, and what to consider.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment option for end-stage kidney disease that is done at home. During PD your blood is filtered naturally using tiny blood vessels in the peritoneum, the lining of your abdomen.
PD catheter placement
Before you begin PD, you will need an access site called a PD catheter for treatment. A PD catheter is a small plastic tube placed in your abdomen. A short piece of the tube will remain outside your abdomen and will be visible.
How does PD work?
PD requires a small catheter in your abdomen. The catheter connects to either a dialysis machine or a solution bag to complete a three-part process called an exchange:
- A cleansing fluid called dialysate will fill your belly through your catheter. This takes about 10 minutes.
- The dialysate absorbs the waste, toxins, and excess fluid from your blood that your kidneys can no longer filter out.
- The dialysate is then drained from your peritoneal cavity and the waste, toxins, and excess fluid are removed along with it.
- At the same time, your peritoneum holds back the important things your body needs, like red blood cells and nutrients.
You will do training with your care team to make sure you are comfortable and confident doing PD on your own.
Types of peritoneal dialysis: CAPD and APD
| Type of PD | Description |
|---|---|
| Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) | CAPD is done without a machine and requires 3 to 5 exchanges per day, for 20 to 30 minutes each. CAPD gives you more flexibility to treat from home, at work, or while traveling. |
| Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) | APD uses a machine called a cycler to perform each exchange. This can be done as one long session on the cycler while you sleep or shorter sessions throughout the day. |
Benefits and things to consider with peritoneal dialysis
Set yourself up for PD success
Keeping your PD catheter healthy is key to effective dialysis. It’s important always to use proper hygiene. This can help you avoid an infection called peritonitis. You will be trained to take these steps to avoid peritonitis:
- Keeping your PD catheter and exit site clean and dry
- Using good hand hygiene and masks during treatment
- Checking your access site daily for redness, tenderness, or swelling
It’s important to act early and contact your care team if you have any concerns.
Key takeaways
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment option for end-stage kidney disease that is done at home, using the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter your blood naturally.
- You’ll need a PD catheter placed in your abdomen before starting treatment.
- There are two types of PD: CAPD, done without a machine several times a day, and APD, done with a cycler machine, often overnight.
- PD offers more freedom and flexibility than other dialysis options.
- Successful PD requires regular treatments, proper catheter care, and good hygiene practices to help prevent infection.
We are here to help
We are here to support you along the way. Reach out if you have questions about your peritoneal dialysis options.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.
Julie Dominguez, MD
Vice President, Medical Office, Interwell Health
Julie Dominguez, MD, is a nephrologist with extensive experience in private practice nephrology and medical education. At Interwell Health, she helps advance high-quality kidney care programs that support patients and clinicians. Dr. Dominguez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Duke University, and completed her Nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego.