Kidney Disease: How to do Peritoneal Dialysis?

Thursday, June 12, 2014

How to do Peritoneal Dialysis?

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There are 2 ways to do dialysis. 1. Hemodialysis and 2. Peritoneal dialysis. When I discuss starting dialysis on my patients, I will talk to them about both.

However, personally I like peritoneal dialysis more because patient has much mo autonomy. In addition, with peritoneal dialysis, you can control extra fluid more easily, and this may reduce stress on the heart and blood vessels. With peritoneal dialysis you are able to eat more and use fewer medications. You can do more of your daily activities and it is easier to work or travel.

However, unfortunately, there are some people for whom peritoneal dialysis may not be appropriate. The abdomen or belly of some people, particularly those who are morbidly obese or those with multiple prior abdominal surgeries, may make peritoneal dialysis treatments difficult or impossible. Peritonitis (infection of abdomen) is an occasional complication although should be infrequent with appropriate precautions. When making a decision about the type of treatment, you should take into consideration that peritoneal dialysis is usually a daily process, similar to the working of the kidney and may be more gentle with fluid removal from the body.

Peritoneal dialysis is an effective form of dialysis, has been proven to be as good as hemodialysis.Peritoneal dialysis is not for everyone. People must receive training and be able to perform correctly each of the steps of the treatment. A trained helper may also be used.