Peritoneal Dialysis

Home / Specialities / Peritoneal Dialysis

NU Hospitals - Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a modality of treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can be more convenient than traditional hemodialysis for some individuals who want more freedom from hospital setting or who are travelling a lot. It provides more flexibility in choosing the treatment schedule. At NU Hospitals, we provide top-notch Peritoneal Dialysis services which makes certain that our patients get personalized and effective care.

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal Dialysis is a type of dialysis that uses the peritoneal membrane (the lining of the abdominal cavity), as a filter to eliminate waste products and excess fluids from your blood. Peritoneal Dialysis gives you the ability to perform your therapy independently and be in control of your treatment, unlike hemodialysis, which is usually performed in a hospital based setting. This is a process in which a dialysis solution is filled into your abdomen through a catheter and left to rest in the body for few hours, where it absorbs waste and after that, it is drained and replaced with fresh solution. This procedure is performed on daily basis.

Types of Peritoneal Dialysis

There are two types of Peritoneal Dialysis that are designed to diverse needs of the patients.

• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD):

  This activity is done manually multiple times a day. The patient manually instils the dialysis fluid into their abdomen and removes it after a few hours. This process is repeated 3-4 times a day. CAPD can be done anywhere, including at home, at work, or even while travelling. However hand hygiene is to be maintained meticulously to avoid any infections.

• Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD):

  APD is usually done at night. A machine known as the cycler is programmed, the peritoneal fluid bags are connected to the abdomen via the machine and based on the program set, and the machine automatically fills and drains the dialysis solution, allowing for freedom to sleep through the night as the machine performs the process. This is a useful method for people who don't want to do exchanges manually and prefer to go about their busy day schedules.

Peritoneal Dialysis Benefits

• Flexibility and Independence:

  PD can be done anywhere, if the necessary sanitary conditions are met. Frequent hospital visits can be avoided and only regular monthly checks will be required leaving more free time to spare.

• Better Control:

  As Peritoneal Dialysis is a daily procedure, it is more likely to replicate the natural functioning of kidneys. Hemodialysis on the other hand is performed thrice a week.

• Less Dietary Restrictions:

  Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis can have a more liberal diet than the same group of people undergoing hemodialysis, because of daily dialysis. However fluid restriction will depend on the fluid status of the individual and will vary from time to time.

• Travel Freedom:

  As this procedure can be performed manually, if the supplies are available, the patients can travel more easily and to more remote places without access to dialysis units as is a requirement for those who undergo hemodialysis.

Who can plan to choose Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal Dialysis is suitable for patients those who:

• Want more control over their treatment schedule.
• Are seeking a more convenient alternative to hemodialysis.
• Have adequate dexterity and are able to handle the equipment used for dialysis exchanges
• Stay in remote locations away from hemodialysis units

At NU Hospitals, we assess each patient’s condition to determine whether Peritoneal Dialysis is the best option. Our experts work closely with you to design a personalized treatment plan that ensures the best outcomes.

Peritoneal Dialysis Procedure

Once the abdomen and general condition of the patient is assessed; a surgery is performed to insert the Peritoneal Dialysis catheter into the abdomen. Then a titanium adapter and transfer set are connected to this catheter. The dialysis solution is flushed initially through this catheter to observe for any leaks and for wound healing. Once there is adequate healing, the procedure is initiated with adequate volume of peritoneal solution being filled into the abdomen via the catheter. The solution is left in the abdomen for a couple of hours and while it is there it picks up the waste materials out of the blood via the peritoneal membrane. After this, the solution is drained and the fresh solution is filled into the patient. This procedure is performed in an incremental manner during admission and the procedure is taught to the patient and a family member who can perform the procedure ensuring that all the steps are by-hearted. Once the procedure is learnt and the patient tolerates an amount of fluid, the prescription for the procedure is made. The validation of this prescription will be done again during follow up after assessing the membrane characteristics of the peritoneum as it differs with each individual.

At NU Hospitals, our patients receive careful guidance throughout the whole treatment process, and we help them get ready for their dialysis treatments accordingly.

Cost of Peritoneal Dialysis

The cost of Peritoneal Dialysis can relate to the personal medical requirements of the patient and the duration of the treatment. We at NU Hospitals do our utmost to provide affordable and in-depth care. For a thorough quote for your Peritoneal Dialysis treatment, you can reach out to us directly for consultation and financial planning.