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peritoneal dialysis: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is a form of therapy that replaces a patient’s kidney function. It uses the patient’s own peritoneal membrane to act as the artificial kidney. A special type of fluid called peritoneal dialysis fluid enters the patient’s abdominal cavity through a surgically placed PD catheter . It stays inside the abdominal cavity where it lies in contact with the peritoneal membrane. ...
Peritoneal dialysis is a procedure that introduces dialysate into the abdominal cavity to remove waste products through the peritoneum (a membrane which surrounds the intestines and other organs in the abdominal cavity). It functions in a manner similar to that of the artificial semi permeable membrane in the hemodialysis machine. Three forms of peritoneal dialysis are continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis, and intermittent peritoneal dialysis.

What are the complications of peritoneal dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis also has some complications. The most well known is peritonitis which happens when infection gets into the dialysis fluid. You will be told what to do if peritonitis is suspected during the dialysis training. Other complications include failure of the fluid to flow in and out of the tube and constipation. More information about dialysis complications is available in the patient information booklet

How is peritoneal dialysis done?

Peritoneal dialysis is performed by instilling dialysate fluid into the abdomen via a surgically placed flexible tube. This fluid dwells in the abdominal cavity for several hours, then is drained and replaced with new dialysate fluid. This procedure can be performed either continuously for 24 hours a day or in some cases, exclusively overnight while sleeping.

What is peritoneal dialysis and how does it work?

In this type of dialysis, your blood is cleaned inside your body. The doctor will do surgery to place a plastic tube called a catheter into your abdomen (belly) to make an access. During the treatment, your abdominal area (called the peritoneal cavity) is slowly filled with dialysate through the catheter. The blood stays in the arteries and veins that line your peritoneal cavity. Extra fluid and waste products are drawn out of your blood and into the dialysate. There are two major kinds of peritoneal dialysis.
In this type of dialysis, your blood is cleaned inside your body. The doctor will do surgery to place a plastic tube called a catheter into your abdomen (belly) to make an access. During the treatment, your abdominal area (called the peritoneal cavity) is slowly filled with dialysate through the catheter. The blood stays in the arteries and veins that line your peritoneal cavity. Extra fluid and waste products are drawn out of your blood and into the dialysate. There are two major kinds of peritoneal dialysis. ...

Why am I on haemodialysis not peritoneal dialysis?

For some people there are medical reasons why one type of dialysis treatment is definitely better. For example if you have had abdominal operations in the past peritoneal dialysis may not work. For most people either type of dialysis would provide good treatment and the type you are on should depend upon what most suits your lifestyle. If you do not understand why you are on the type of dialysis you are then you should ask one of the doctors or nurses to explain.

Why am I on peritoneal dialysis not haemodialysis?

For some people there are medical reasons why one type of dialysis treatment is definitely better. For example if it is not possible to form a fistula (vascular access) you might be better off on peritoneal dialysis. For most people either type of dialysis would provide good treatment and the type you are on should depend upon what most suits your lifestyle. If you do not understand why you are on the type of dialysis you are then you should ask one of the doctors or nurses to explain.

What if I need hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis?

Both types of dialysis are done on-site in the patient's room.

Are peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis offered?

PD and home hemodialysis let you schedule treatments around your life and your work.

What are the different kinds of peritoneal dialysis and how do they work?

There are several kinds of peritoneal dialysis but two major ones are: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) and Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD). Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) is the only type of peritoneal dialysis that is done without machines. You do this yourself, usually four or five times a day at home and/or at work. You put a bag of dialysate (about two quarts) into your peritoneal cavity through the catheter. ...

Will you be able to do peritoneal dialysis?

Yes, we can do the peritoneal dialysis. However, only Ferzinious Solution is available in Pakistan. Patients using Baxter solution should bring one week supply with them.

Can the course be done without the peritoneal dialysis and endovaginal models?

Yes, although it is clearly preferable for participants to have hands-on experience with these exams, we can also present the material in video format.

Is home dialysis, either peritoneal or hemodialysis, an option for me?

Home dialysis candidates are very independent and motivated toward self-care. With that as a basis, home dialysis is an option as long as the patient's medical conditions, family support and physical home environment are appropriate for this therapy.

Why do I need peritoneal dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is for people who are very young, very old, or very sick. During hemodialysis, blood pressure and electrolytes can change rapidly, which can be dangerous for people whose body cannot tolerate these sudden changes. People who bleed easily, and who have diabetes, are also recommended for peritoneal dialysis, which does not use blood thinners or sugars in the dialysate solution. ...

Are there any risks of peritoneal dialysis?

There is a risk of complications associated with peritoneal dialysis. These include inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall (peritonitis), catheter tube infection, and increased abdominal pressure that may cause a hernia. When you get your catheter, you will learn about the warning signs of inflammation, infection and increased abdominal pressure due to peritoneal dialysis. ...

What is peritoneal dialysis catheter manipulation?

Peritoneal dialysis is performed through a tube passing through the abdominal wall into the abdominal cavity. Occasionally, when this tube becomes blocked or malfunctions, an interventional radiologist can reposition the tube to restore function, without removing or replacing the tube. In this outpatient procedure, a wire is passed through the tube under X-ray guidance and the tube repositioned into a better location within the abdomen. ...

Which treatment is better, Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis?

Neither is better. Several factors, including medical and lifestyle, will influence your decision-making on which treatment option is best for you. Please talk to your nephrologist, social worker, and/or a peer mentor to help you understand the pros and cons of each treatment option.

What type of dialysis access procedure is necessary for peritoneal dialysis?

Tenckhoff catheter, a long silicone-based tube, must be placed into the abdomen before peritoneal dialysis can begin. The surgeon in the operating room positions the tube using a local anesthetic and sedation. Making a small incision in the abdomen, the surgeon advances the tube deep into the lower part of the peritoneal cavity, tunnels the tube under the skin for several inches, brings the tube up through the skin at a different location, and then surgically closes the initial incision. ...

I’m currently on hemodialysis, is it still possible to use AWAK, which is based on peritoneal dialysis?

Yes, with the consent of your kidney doctor (nephrologist). As long as your doctor agrees that you are a candidate for peritoneal dialysis, the doctor will arrange for a simple operation where a small cut is made in the abdomen so that a catheter (tube) can be inserted. The AWAK device will then be connected to the catheter. The catheter is securely held in place and cannot become dislodged. Similarly, it is not noticeable under clothing and does not limit your physical activity when disconnected.
Source: awaktech.com

Why can't you transport cartons of peritoneal dialysis fluid or other body fluid/blood products to laboratories?

MedCorp ambulette vehicles are not CLIA licensed for transport of medical pathology products for testing purposes.

Q: Why does peritoneal dialysis need a greater amount of protein?

Because the protein loss is higher (approximately 10 to 20 grams per session. ).

What’s the difference between daily, home-based treatment with NxStage Therapy and daily, home-based treatment with peritoneal dialysis?

NxStage Therapy is a portable and less complicated application of hemodialysis, which uses an external filter to remove waste products directly from the patient’s blood. In contrast, peritoneal dialysis involves the catheter-based delivery of a solution into an abdominal membrane called the peritoneum that is rich in blood vessels and acts as a filter to eliminate toxins and excess fluid from a patient’s blood. ...

In MO250, does the central line or subcutaneous infusion or epidural infusion or intrathecal infusion or an insulin pump or home dialysis, including peritoneal dialysis, count in responding?

Only one question must be answered to determine whether these examples ”count„ as IV or infusion therapy—is the patient receiving such therapy at home? If the answer is yes, then response ‘1’ (intravenous or infusion therapy, excluding total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for MO250 would be appropriate. If the infusion therapy is administered by the physician's office, outpatient center or dialysis center, response ‘4’ (none of the above) should be marked.
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