Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the peritoneum, the natural lining inside the abdomen, as a filter. A sterile dialysis fluid is run into the abdomen through a soft tube (catheter), left for some hours to draw out waste and extra fluid, and then drained and replaced.

Once trained, most patients do the exchanges themselves at home, which means fewer hospital visits. Our nephrology team helps you decide whether PD or haemodialysis suits you better.

• End-stage kidney failure needing dialysis
• People who prefer dialysis at home or live far from a dialysis unit
• Patients for whom haemodialysis is difficult, such as some with heart problems

• Dialysis at home on your own schedule
• Gentle, continuous fluid removal
• Fewer diet and fluid restrictions than haemodialysis for many patients
• No needles

Before the procedure

A minor procedure is done to place the PD catheter in the abdomen. It usually needs a couple of weeks to settle before full use.

During the procedure

Our team trains you and a family member to do the exchanges cleanly and safely. Each manual exchange takes about 30 to 40 minutes and is done several times a day, or a machine does the exchanges at night.

After the procedure

You visit the clinic regularly for blood tests and review.

Life on PD involves routine exchanges and good hygiene.

• Always wash your hands and follow the sterile technique you are taught
• Report cloudy fluid, abdominal pain or fever at once; these may be signs of infection (peritonitis)
• Keep the catheter exit site clean and dry