PERITONEAL DIALYSIS

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.

AUTOMATED PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (APD)

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) is a programmable dialysis treatment typically performed at night while the patient is asleep. To begin, the patient connects their catheter to a machine called an APD cycler. This machine automatically carries out the fluid exchanges throughout the night. The process consists of three phases:

1. Fill: fresh dialysis solution will fill into the peritoneum cavity
2. Dwell: the solution will left in the cavity for a prescribed time. During “Dwell” time, the exchange of waste and fluids will take place to extract toxins or waste products from the body.
3. Drain: the dialysis solution will then drain out from the abdomen into a bag.

The machine refills the abdomen with fresh dialysis solution and begins the cycle again. In most cases, a standard APD treatment performs three to five exchanges overnight and takes approximately eight to ten hours. Because the process occurs while the patient is asleep, they are free to go about their daily activities or maintain a full-time job during the day without interruption from their dialysis routine.

During treatment, a fluid called dialysate is introduced into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter. It remains there for a set period known as the dwell time. During this phase, waste products and excess fluids pass from the blood into the dialysate. After the dwell period, the used dialysate is drained and replaced with fresh solution. This sequence filling, dwelling, and draining is called a cycle and is repeated multiple times to replicate the natural function of the kidneys.

BENEFITS

1. No out of pocket expenses
2. Treatment therapy that mimics the natural function of kidneys
3. Ability to have a full-time job and for other activities during the day
4. Freedom to travel as PD supplies will be sent to your travel location
5. Flexibility in your dialysis schedule. Free from the hassle of driving, parking and waiting in queue

ADVANTAGES

1. Needle-free treatments
2. Fewer dietary restrictions
3. Ability to perform dialysis while sleeping
4. No risk of blood borne contagions such as Hepatitis
5. Fewer negative side effects (such as nausea, vomiting, cramping and weight gain) as compared to hemodialysis

PD PROCEDURE

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.