Peritoneal Dialysis
The lining of the abdomen is used as a dialysis membrane in peritoneal dialysis
In peritoneal dialysis, the lining of a patient’s abdominal cavity – the peritoneum – acts as the filter for cleaning the blood. Depending on the body’s type and size, the total surface area of the peritoneum is between one and two square meters. The peritoneum has characteristics similar to those of the dialyzer: pores in the membrane allow certain substances through while retaining others. Of the more than 1.9 million dialysis patients around the world, about 190,000 choose peritoneal dialysis treatment.
A catheter – a small plastic tube – that was inserted during an operation is used to introduce dialysis solution into the abdominal cavity. The blood-rich peritoneum is surrounded by the fluid for several hours. During this period, metabolic toxins flow from the blood through pores in the peritoneum into the dialysis solution. At the same time, glucose in the dialysis solution pulls excess water out of the body. The solution containing the toxins and excess water is eventually removed through the catheter and replaced with fresh solution.
In peritoneal dialysis, the lining of a patient’s abdominal cavity – the peritoneum – acts as the filter for cleaning the blood. Depending on the body’s type and size, the total surface area of the peritoneum is between one and two square meters. The peritoneum has characteristics similar to those of the dialyzer: pores in the membrane allow certain substances through while retaining others. Of the more than 1.9 million dialysis patients around the world, about 190,000 choose peritoneal dialysis treatment.
A catheter – a small plastic tube – that was inserted during an operation is used to introduce dialysis solution into the abdominal cavity. The blood-rich peritoneum is surrounded by the fluid for several hours. During this period, metabolic toxins flow from the blood through pores in the peritoneum into the dialysis solution. At the same time, glucose in the dialysis solution pulls excess water out of the body. The solution containing the toxins and excess water is eventually removed through the catheter and replaced with fresh solution.
Two treatment options are available for peritoneal dialysis. In Continuous Ambulant Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), patients change the dialysis solution with the help of bag systems four to five times a day. In Automatic Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), a dialysis machine (cycler) takes over the exchange of fluid, making overnight treatment possible. Most patients carry out both types of treatment themselves, either at home or in the office. This allows them to be flexible and to maintain their normal rhythm and job.
Fresenius Medical Care: forerunner in biocompatible dialysis solution
With balance and bicaVera, Fresenius Medical Care offers two pH-neutral dialysis solutions that contain only minor amounts of glucose byproducts, protecting the peritoneum. As a recently published study shows, peritoneal dialysis patients live significantly longer when the biocompatible balance dialysis solution is used rather than a traditional dialysis solution.
For professional information about peritoneal dialysis, please visit the PDServe website of Fresenius Medical Care.
For more information about kidney patient care, please visit the UltraCare website of Fresenius Medical Care North America.