Definition

Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys. 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.

Reasons for Procedure

The kidneys have many important jobs. They clear toxins out of your blood and help balance fluid and mineral levels in the body. 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 items 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.

People with obesity or previous surgery in the belly area may not be able to use this type of dialysis.

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

The doctor will talk about ways to lower the risk of problems. Steps that can help are:

• Quit smoking
• Stop or limit drinking
• Follow care plan for 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 belly wall for the next few hours.

The lining of the belly has many tiny blood vessels. The solution sits next to these blood vessels. Fluid, waste, and chemicals can move from the blood vessels into the solution. After several hours, the solution will be drained through the tube. It will take waste from the blood with it. 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 times 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

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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.