Dialysis Program
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Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is provided to the hospitalized peritoneal dialysis patient. The dialysis nurse will set up a system that is managed by the nurse caring for the patient at the bedside. Peritoneal dialysis is where the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity is filled with a special solution which cleans the blood. This type of dialysis can be done at home. Learn more about peritoneal dialysis.
How Peritoneal Dialysis Works:
- A small, soft catheter is surgically placed into the abdominal cavity.
- A special solution is infused through the catheter into the abdominal cavity.
- A thin, stretchy sac, called the peritoneal membrane, surrounds the abdominal organs, holds the dialysis solution in place, and acts as the dialysis filter.
- As the dialysis solution sits inside the abdominal cavity, it removes waste products, chemicals, and extra fluid from the blood.
- A person is able to carry on with normal activities while the dialysis solution is cleaning the blood.
- The dialysis solution is changed (drained out through the catheter and new solution infused) about 4-6 times every day. This is called an exchange.
- An exchange takes about 30 minutes, 20 minutes to drain the old dialysis solution out of the abdominal cavity and 10 minutes to infuse the new dialysis solution.
- A dialysis bag and tubing set is connected only during the 30-minute exchange procedure.
Types of Peritoneal Dialysis:
There are two types of peritoneal dialysis:
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CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis)
- Exchanges are done about 4 times every day and are spaced 4-6 hours apart during the day.
- Most people do their first exchange first thing in the morning, their second exchange at about noon, their third exchange around suppertime and their fourth exchange at bedtime.
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CCPD (Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis)
- Exchanges are done during the night (8 - 10 hours) by a machine called the cycler. (Most people also need to do 1 -2 exchanges during the day when they do CCPD.)
Training and Support:
- The peritoneal dialysis catheter needs to heal at least 2 - 3 weeks after insertion before training is started.
- Training takes place at the MeritCare Outpatient Dialysis Center at MeritCare South University.
- Training usually takes one full week, Monday - Friday for about 5 - 6 hours each day.
- Training is performed by the dialysis team, which includes the physician, nurse, social worker, dietitian, and pharmacist.
- After training is completed, dialysis clinic visits are scheduled once a month.
- Medical staff is available 24 hours / day for problems or concerns.
Supplies:
- Supplies are ordered once a month from the supply company.
- A storage area about 4 feet by 6 feet will be needed in the home to store 20 - 30 boxes of dialysis solutions.
Dialysis Medications
A number of medications are commonly used in dialysis patients. Learn about these medications and their uses.
Travel With Kidney Disease
When patients with kidney disease are required to travel, medical necessities can be shipped to the travel location to accommodate the patient.
Advantages of Peritoneal Dialysis:
- Can be done at home
- More like normal kidney function
- Gentle dialysis as it is done every day
- Control over your own schedule / more flexible
- Dialysis clinic visit only once a month
- Preserves kidney function
- Less restricted diet
- Better blood pressure control
- No needles
Disadvantages of Peritoneal Dialysis:
- Need to do 4 exchanges every day or be connected to a cycler machine 8-10 hours every night
- Permanent catheter into abdominal cavity
- Risk of infection
- Minor weight gain possible
- Storage of supplies in the home