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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffPeritoneal dialysis is a way to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job. During peritoneal dialysis, blood vessels in your abdominal lining (peritoneum) fill in for your kidneys, with the help of a fluid (dialysate) washed in and out of the peritoneal space.
Peritoneal dialysis differs from hemodialysis, a more common blood-filtering procedure. With peritoneal dialysis, you can give yourself treatments in the comfort of your own home, at work or while traveling. You may be able to use fewer medications and eat a less restrictive diet than you can with hemodialysis.
Peritoneal dialysis isn't an option for everyone with kidney failure. You need manual dexterity (or a reliable caregiver) and the ability to care for yourself at home.
Why it's done- Dialysis in the treatment of renal failure. In: Fauci AS, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States of America: The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2881062&print=yes. Accessed Aug. 24, 2008.
- Peritoneal dialysis: What you need to know. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=197. Accessed Sep. 10, 2008.
- Treatment methods for kidney failure: Peritoneal dialysis. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/peritoneal/. Accessed Sep. 10, 2008.
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- Peritoneal dialysis dose and adequacy. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/peritonealdose/. Accessed Sep. 10, 2008.
- Berns JS. Patient information: Chronic kidney disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html.
- Gajjar AH. Peritoneal dialysis catheters: Laparoscopic versus traditional placement techniques and outcomes. The American Journal of Surgery. 2007;194:872.
