Before starting Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), patients undergo a preparation phase that includes catheter placement, healing, and setting up a clean, well-equipped space at home. They receive hands-on training in performing exchanges, using equipment, and maintaining hygiene to prevent infection. Daily care of the catheter site and strict hand hygiene are essential to ensure safe and effective treatment at home.
While it may seem like a daunting task to prepare for the unknown, we at Lucenxia are more than happy to go the extra mile in helping you with the preparations. However here are the basic steps you can take beforehand.
To begin peritoneal dialysis treatment, you need to have a simple procedure to insert a soft, flexible tube, called a catheter to be inserted into their abdomen. PD catheter placement is usually done 10 to 14 days before dialysis starts. The procedure is considered a minor operation, and complications are rare. It often requires general anesthesia, but the whole procedure takes less than one hour of surgical time.
You will use the catheter for exchange and to facilitate the transfer of dialysis fluid in and out of their abdomen. You can use the catheter as soon as the surgery is over however it is recommended to begin your PD treatment after the catheter is fully healed, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Automated A nurse will conduct a home assessment visit (HAV) to identify the best spaces most suitable for PD treatment. A clean, well-lit room or space that can be closed off and is free from pets would be the best. You will also need space to store the PD solutions that will be delivered to you each month. Dust, moisture and other contaminants are the biggest risk and our nurses will be on hand to help you mitigate these risks.
You will need a space in your home that is clean and dry, where you can perform your PD treatment. If you are performing APD, this will be your bedroom as the automated dialysis process takes place when you sleep. If you are performing CAPD, you can choose any room that you are comfortable in your home, workplace or other location where you will spend your time. The room you choose must be free of pets and plants and must be kept clean and dry. Contact Lucenxia PD nurse to do assessment on the treatment space before you begin your home PD treatment.
You will also need a storage space in their home to keep the PD supplies. The storage space should be clean, dry and easy for you to access. Supplies are usually delivered to your home once a month, and each delivery may include many boxes. Talk to a Lucenxia PD nurse to schedule a training and to learn more about the PD supplies you need to expect for your home PD treatment.
Our team of professional nurses under the guidance of the Nursing Director together with the hospital nurses will be on hand to provide complete training for you and your caregivers before the treatment begins.
Training is provided at the hospital for CAPD patients and at home for APD patients. Refresher training is also provided at intermittent periods of time to ensure that you will always be confident and adept whilst performing treatment.
Additionally, our call centre is available 24-hours a day, 365-days a year for any questions or queries and if you’re using our APD Cycler, the call centre can be reached via the machine with just a push of the button on-screen.