Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

If you are starting dialysis to treat kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis (PD) may be one of the treatment options available. Learn more about peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home.

Live Peritoneal Dialysis_ENG
English Live video to introduce on Peritoenal Dialysis, characteristics and benefits to patients and general public
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 1:03
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 1:03
 
1x
  • Chapters
  • descriptions off, selected
  • subtitles off, selected
  • en (Main), selected
Peritoneal Dialysis_ENG
English Animated video to introduce on Peritoneal Dialysis, characteristics and benefits to patients and general public
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
  • Chapters
  • descriptions off, selected
  • subtitles off, selected
  • en (Main), selected

What is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment that uses the lining of your abdomen – called the peritoneal membrane – to remove waste products from your blood. It is usually done at home and can even be carried out while sleeping or travelling. It might be the right therapy for you if you value mobility or a flexible treatment schedule.

Doctor explaining Peritoneal Dialysis to the patient

How does Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) work?

During peritoneal dialysis (PD), a fluid called dialysis solution (or dialysate) enters your abdomen through a catheter. This catheter is inserted into your abdomen in a simple surgical procedure prior to starting PD. Once the dialysis fluid has flowed into your abdomen, it stays there, filtering your blood by absorbing any waste and excess fluid. After 6 to 8 hours, the dialysis solution containing the waste and excess fluid from your body is drained out of your abdomen through your catheter. This entire is called an exchange.

Types of peritoneal dialysis: APD VS CAPD

There are two types of peritoneal dialysis (PD): continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

Here are some of the differences between APD and CAPD:

  • Dialysis schedule: You will only need to carry out dialysis once a day for 4 – 6 hours at night for APD as compared to 3 – 4 times per day 30 – 40 minutes each time during the day for CAPD.
  • Dialysis machine: APD is done by hand while CAPD will require you to have a dialysis machine.
  • Level of discomfort: During APD, the pressure felt in your abdomen could be 50% lower than during CAPD because you are lying down for APD but sitting up for CAPD.

Learn more about APD and CAPD for more information on the benefits and side effects of the different types of peritoneal dialysis.

Patient performing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) is a treatment that uses gravity to fill and drain dialysis solution from your abdomen.  

CAPD exchanges are usually done 3 to 4 times a day, mainly upon waking, before lunch and dinner, and at bedtime. During a CAPD exchange, dialysate replacement is performed manually by you or your caregiver during the day. During each replacement, it may take up to 30 minutes to drain the used dialysis solution from the abdomen and fill the abdomen with a new bag of fresh dialysis solution. The patient can then resume regular daily activities until the next exchange.  

Patient reading while performing Automated Peritoneal Dialysis using a cycler

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) requires a machine to deliver the dialysis fluid into the abdomen. 

APD usually takes place at night when a machine is connected to your PD catheter. While you are sleeping, the machine drains used dialysis solution and supplies clean dialysis solution. You can then disconnect from the equipment when you wake up and resume normal activities. 

What are the benefits of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)?

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a needle-free dialysis option

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) uses a catheter to introduce dialysis solution into a space in your abdomen to filter your blood through the peritoneal membrane. Haemodialysis (HD), on the other hand, filters your blood through an external machine, which requires needles to direct your blood into the machine. 

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) at home offers flexibility and independence 

Doing peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home increases the flexibility and independence of your life on dialysis. It can save you frequent trips to the hospital or clinic and gives you more freedom to work or do the activities you enjoy.  

You can travel with peritoneal dialysis (PD)

For many chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, remaining mobile and being able to travel is an important part of maintaining independence. As PD can be done overnight at any place of your choice, it is possible for most dialysis patients to travel and continue their treatment while being away from home. While planning for your trip, you can discuss with your clinician to make the necessary arrangements for PD during your trip. 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Where to go next?

Illustration of patient reading while performing dialysis at home

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

CAPD can be performed at work, home or during travel.  

Illustration of Patient with Automated Peritoneal Dialysis

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

APD allows dialysis to be performed while you sleep.  

Illustration of a patient participating in in-centre haemodialysis

In-Centre Haemodialysis (In-Centre HD)

You may prefer to receive dialysis at a hospital or treatment centre near you with ICHD.