Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is a form of kidney dialysis that uses the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, as a natural filter. A catheter places dialysis solution into the abdominal cavity, where the solution draws waste products and extra water across the peritoneal membrane from the blood. The used solution is then drained and replaced. This dialysis definition describes a treatment for advanced kidney failure; it supports lost kidney function but does not cure the underlying kidney disease.

Which Conditions It Treats

What Conditions Does Peritoneal Dialysis Treat?

Peritoneal dialysis is primarily used for end-stage or advanced kidney failure. When the kidneys cannot adequately remove waste, extra salt, and fluid or maintain the body’s chemical balance, this dialysis treatment helps replace some of those functions. It is a form of renal dialysis used to manage kidney failure rather than reverse the disease that caused it.

  • Remove waste products that build up in the blood.
  • Remove excess fluid from the body.
  • Help maintain electrolyte and acid-base balance.

Regimen / Schedule Used

Peritoneal Dialysis Schedule and Regimens

Manual exchanges

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis involves exchanges performed by hand during waking hours. Each exchange follows a prescribed schedule, including the time that the solution remains in the abdomen.

Machine-assisted exchanges

Automated peritoneal dialysis uses a cycling machine, or cycler, to perform exchanges during sleep. The care team may prescribe additional daytime instructions when needed.

The number, timing, dwell period, and fluid volume of exchanges are prescribed by the kidney-care team. The plan may vary according to residual kidney function, body size, lifestyle, and treatment goals. These are the main types of dialysis schedules used for peritoneal treatment, but the exact plan is individualized.

During the Procedure / What to Expect

What to Expect During Peritoneal Dialysis

A soft peritoneal dialysis catheter is placed through the abdominal wall. During an exchange, sterile peritoneal fluid enters the abdomen, remains there for a prescribed dwell time, and then drains through the catheter with dissolved waste and excess fluid. Exchanges may be completed at home by hand or with a dialysis machine, depending on the prescribed plan.

  • Connect the catheter using the prescribed sterile technique.
  • Infuse the prescribed amount of dialysis solution.
  • Allow the solution to dwell for the prescribed time.
  • Drain the used solution containing waste and extra fluid.
  • Disconnect or let the cycler perform the next programmed exchange.

Side Effects & Risks

Side Effects and Risks of Peritoneal Dialysis

  • Peritonitis, an infection or inflammation inside the abdominal cavity.
  • Infection, blockage, or poor function of the dialysis catheter.
  • Hernia or fluid leakage around the catheter or abdominal wall.
  • Weight gain or changes in blood glucose related to glucose-containing dialysis solution.
  • Insufficient removal of waste or fluid if the prescribed treatment is not effective or completed.

Using sterile technique, caring for the dialysis catheter site each day, completing prescribed exchanges, and attending regular laboratory and clinical monitoring can help reduce risk and identify complications early. Report concerns to the kidney-care team rather than changing the dialysis treatment on your own.

Recovery

Recovery and Living With Peritoneal Dialysis

The catheter site needs time to heal before routine use begins. A dialysis team provides structured training on exchange technique, infection prevention, equipment handling, and problem-solving so that many people can perform kidney dialysis at home safely.

Keep supplies clean and dry, record exchanges and fluid balance when instructed, attend follow-up visits, and follow guidance about diet, fluids, and medicines. Peritoneal dialysis is a continuing treatment rather than a short recovery course. The care team may adjust the regimen or discuss other kidney-replacement options as health needs change.

When to Call a Doctor

When to Call a Doctor

Urgent warning signs

Contact your dialysis team promptly

Contact your dialysis team promptly and follow its emergency instructions if you notice warning signs during dialysis treatment or between exchanges.

  • Cloudy or unusual drained fluid
  • Abdominal pain, fever, or chills
  • Redness, swelling, or pus at the catheter site
  • Persistent trouble filling or draining
  • Shortness of breath or sudden swelling

Diseases & Conditions

5 topics