Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure.  It helps replace the work of the kidneys when they have stopped working.  Peritoneal dialysis (also called PD) is a type of dialysis.

What is PD?

PD is a way of cleaning waste and extra fluid from your blood.  PD uses a special fluid called dialysate and the lining of your belly to do this.

The organs in your belly are inside a special lining called the peritoneum.  This natural lining is thin and acts like a filter.  It lets some things through and keeps others out.

For PD, you will have a soft flexible tube (called a catheter) that goes from outside your body to inside your peritoneum.  This catheter is placed during a minor surgery.  Then, you will:

• Put dialysate fluid into your belly through your catheter
• Let the dialysate sit in your belly for several hours
• During this time, the dialysate fluid pulls waste and extra fluid out of your blood.  This is called the “dwell time.”
• Drain the dialysate, along with the waste and extra fluid, out through your catheter
• Put new dialysate fluid into your belly and repeat the process

This process is called an exchange.  Your doctor will tell you how many exchanges to do each day.  Your doctor will also tell you what kind of dialysate to use.

Where can I do PD treatments?

PD treatments are usually done at home in a clean, dry place.  Because PD is fairly portable, you may also do it while traveling.  This makes it a more flexible treatment option.

While you do not need to go to a dialysis center for your treatments, you will still need to work with a center to learn how to do your PD exchanges and to get your supplies. 

How can I stay healthy on PD?

One of the most common problems with PD is the risk of peritonitis.  This is when your peritoneum, that natural lining in your belly, gets infected.  This might happen if germs get into your belly through your catheter. 

Bad infections can keep you from being able to do the PD treatments you need.  To help prevent an infection:

• Learn the right way to do your exchanges
• The staff at your dialysis center can help.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Keep all of your PD supplies in a clean, dry place
• Do all of your exchanges in a clean, dry place
• Always wash your hands before doing an exchange
• Wear a surgical mask when you do exchanges

If you think you do have an infection, get treatment quickly.  Tell your doctor right away if:

• You see pink or red around your catheter
• You have pain around your catheter
• Your catheter shifts or starts to come out
• Any of the clamps on your catheter break
• Your dialysate looks cloudy
• You have a fever
• You feel very sick or throw up

Revised 12/10.
© Copyright 2010 American Kidney Fund.