Peritoneal Dialysis
The peritoneum lines your stomach and surrounds many of your abdominal organs. Peritoneal dialysis involves using the peritoneum rather than the blood to filter waste products. A fluid containing glucose and salts is inserted through a tube called a Tenckhoff catheter in order to remove waste from the blood and replenish lost fluids. This type of dialysis can be performed at home.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis or CAPD involves running between 1.5 and 3 liters of fluid around the peritoneum four times each day. The dialysis solution will remain inside your belly for between four to six hours before being drained out into a bag where it is then exchanged. CAPD takes place at home or at work, and can be done while you perform your normal, everyday activities.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
Another type of peritoneal dialysis is Automated Peritoneal Dialysis or APD. During APD, approximately eight to 12 liters of fluid is exchanged over a period of eight to ten hours while you are asleep. An additional one to two liters might be left in your stomach to dwell during the day, in which case you could require a midafternoon exchange.
Which Peritoneal Dialysis is Best?
The type of peritoneal dialysis that is right for you will depend upon how effectively your peritoneum filters waste. Many patients require a combination of CAPD and APD, filtering throughout the night and performing one or two additional exchanges during the day. During your consultation, we will discuss your needs and lifestyle to determine which schedule is best.
The kidneys play an important role in purifying the blood. If you have limited kidney function, your body is unable to remove harmful toxins from the body, and this could affect the functioning of a number of organs. Hemodialysis cleans your blood using a special machine called a dialyzer. Taking over your kidneys’ functions in this manner will allow for your continued good health.