Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a gentle, home-based treatment for kidney failure that uses the body's natural lining inside the abdomen to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. A cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdomen through a soft tube and later drained, helping patients maintain their daily routines with greater freedom and flexibility.
manual exchange
automated exchange
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) relies on gravity rather than a machine to perform fluid exchanges. The patient connects to a dialysis solution bag that is suspended above them while in a confortable position. Gravity allows the solution to flow into the peritoneal cavity, where it remains for a dwell time of approximately six to eight hours. After this period, the patient connects to a drainage bag positioned below the body, allowing the used solution to drain out naturally. Unlike Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), CAPD involves manual exchanges, typically four to five times a day, to ensure continuous waste removal. Since each exchange requires the patient to manually connect and remain still during the flow of fluids, CAPD must be performed during waking hours. However, it can be done in any clean, dry environment with the necessary dialysis supplies.
