Peritoneal Dialysis an Alternative to Hemodialysis

Before dialysis was available total kidney failure meant death. Today, people with kidney failure can live because of treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplants

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your Kidneys can no longer do the job. It gets rid or your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure.

Are there different types of dialysis?

Yes, There are two kinds of dialysis. In hemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine. This machine has a special filter called a dialyzer that cleans your blood and get rid of wastes. The clean blood is returned to your body by tubes that connect you to the machine. Very little (only about half a cup) is ever out of your body at any one time.

In Peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid called a dialysate, which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles

How does peritoneal dialysis work?

A soft plastic tube(catheter) is placed in your belly by surgery. A sterile cleansing fluid is put into your belly through this catheter. After the filtering process is finished (4 hours being inside of the belly) the fluid leaves your body through the catheter

Are there different kinds of peritoneal dialysis?

Yes. the major ones are:

The basic treatment is the same for each kind of peritoneal dialysis. However the number of treatment and the way the treatments are done make each method different.

What is CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis)?

CAPD is "continuous" machine-free and done while you go about your normal activities such as work or school. You do the treatment by placing about two quarts of cleansing fluid into your belly and later draining it. This is done by hooking up a plastic bag of cleansing fluid to the tube in your belly. Raising the plastic bag to shoulder level causes gravity to pull the fluid into your belly. When empty, the plastic bad is removed and thrown away.

When an exchange is finished, the fluid (which now has the wastes removed from your blood through the lining in your belly) is drained from your belly and thrown away. A bag of fresh cleansing fluid is then placed into your belly and you do the treatment again.

The process usually is done three, four or five times in a 24-hour period while you are awake. Each exchange ( putting in and taking out the fluid) takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Some patients like to do their exchanges at mealtimes and at bedtime. While the fluid is in your belly, you can go about your normal activities.

What is CCPD (Continuous Cycling peritoneal Dialysis)?

CCPD differs from CAPD in that a machine (cycle) delivers and then drains the cleaning fluid rather than you adding and draining the fluid. The treatments usually is done at night while you sleep.

What kind of Peritoneal dialysis is best?

The type of peritoneal dialysis that is best for you depends on your personal choice and your medical condition. Your doctor will help you choose the one that is best for you.

What are the good and bad things about being on peritoneal dialysis?

When compared to hemodialysis, some doctors feel that CAPD and CCPD have several benefits. With continuous dialysis you can control extra fluid more easily, and this may reduce the stress on the heart and blood vessels. 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, there are some problems too. Hemodialysis may cleanse your blood more thoroughly. Also people on peritoneal dialysis sometimes get hyperlipidemia (high levels of certain fatty substances in the blood) or peritonitis ( an infection in your belly) Talk to your doctor about the good and bad things about each type of treatment, you should take into consideration that peritoneal dialysis is usually a daily process

Can anyone do peritoneal dialysis.?

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 be used Your doctor can help you decide whether peritoneal dialysis is the best treatment for you.

Do peritoneal dialysis patients have to watch their diets?

YES. It is important that you have the right amount of protein in your diet. Salt may be limited for those with high blood pressure, and most patients will have to be careful about calories because of a tendency to gain weight. Your dietitian will work closely with you to plan your diet to suit your needs.

How are treatment paid for?

All types of dialysis are expensive, but for most patients the federal government, now pays 80 percent of all dialysis charges, while private insurance or state medical assistance pays the rest.

More than 20 million Americans have some form of kidney or urology disease. Millions more are at risk. The National Kidney Foundation, Inc a major voluntary health organization, is working to find answers through prevention, treatment and cure. Through its 52 Affiliates nationwide, the Foundation conducts programs in research, professional education, patient and community service, public education and organ donation. The work of the National Kidney Foundation is funded entirely by public donations.

Save a life, Organ Donate,