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Peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneal membrane
to act as a dialysis membrane due to the rich blood
supply and large surface area that it covers in the
abdominal cavity.
By instilling a dialysate
solution containing glucose and solutes through a Tenckhoff
catheter into the abdominal cavity, excess fluid and
waste products can be removed through the processes
of diffusion and osmosis. This process is repeated every
4-6 hours after the fluid is changed by means of a sterile
Twin bag system.
Continous ambulatory peritoneal
dialysis (CAPD) is more effective in the patient with
some residual renal function and gives you constant
dialysis, 24hrs of the day.
 Automated
peritoneal dialysis (APD) makes use of a cycler
- a machine that performs the fluid exchanges. Dialysis
is done at home, at night while you are asleep, with
the APD machine automatically measuring the amount of
fluid, timing of the exchanges and draining of the solution.
This is an ideal therapy for those in regular employment,
scholars and those needing a carer to help them perform
the dialysis.
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