Peritoneal Dialysis: What Are Its Treatment, Benefits, And Risks

Nearly 37 million adults in the U.S. live with chronic kidney disease, and many progress to kidney failure requiring treatment. Peritoneal dialysis is a life-saving option for those who need an alternative to traditional hemodialysis. It offers flexibility and independence, making it a popular choice for patients managing kidney failure.

This blog will look into how peritoneal dialysis works, its benefits, potential risks, and what makes it an essential treatment for many.

What is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure. Before the treatment starts, your surgeon will put a catheter into your belly, preferably near your belly button. Once you are prepared for the dialysis, A fluid containing salt and different additives is passed into your abdomen via a catheter. This process essentially removes all the waste products from your blood by using the peritoneum layer in your abdomen.

The fluid passed in your body acts as an absorbent, soaking up all the waste and extra fluids in your blood using the peritoneum layer of your abdomen as a natural filter. After a few hours, the fluid is then drained out again via the catheter. This process is repeated up to 4 to 6 times daily to complete the entire dialysis process. The fluid is very 

concentrated in the beginning; hence, it absorbs the contaminants quickly, but as time passes, its ability to filter slows down.  

Types of Peritoneal Dialysis

There are two types of peritoneal dialysis. Both have their own benefits and risks. Choosing which one suits you best will depend upon your lifestyle, preferences, and medical conditions. Based on these factors your doctor or surgeon will suggest which one suits you the best. Before you make any decision, it is essential to consult a nephrologist and discuss your options in detail. The two types of peritoneal dialysis are as follows:

-Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

This is a manual process in which you exchange the fluid from your body manually throughout the day. Using this approach allows you to be more flexible with your daily routine and perform your usual tasks rather efficiently. Due to being a manual process, it requires frequent exchanges making it a lengthier process.

-Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

In this type of dialysis, the patient gets attached to a machine that automatically performs the exchange process. This method is usually done during the night while the patient is asleep. The entire process is fully automated but reduces movement, making it less efficient to manage daily routine tasks. However, this process takes less time as it requires fewer exchanges as compared to CAPD.

Benefits of Peritoneal Dialysis

Kidney failure can be treated by different types of dialysis, aiming to clear the blood of waste and excess fluids. However, specifically, peritoneal dialysis has many advantages that can not be overlooked.

-More Flexible Lifestyle

Peritoneal dialysis offers more flexibility during treatment as compared to hemodialysis. During CAPD, the patient can easily move and perform daily routine tasks without any significant hindrances. The process can be done anywhere, at home, in the office, or even while traveling. On the contrary, hemodialysis puts the patient down for hours, unable to even move, and requires the patient to be in the hospital.    

-Better Control of Blood Pressure

Another essential benefit of PD is that it helps to regulate blood pressure.  Many patients with blood pressure issues are often recommended peritoneal dialysis to keep their blood pressure under control.

-Improved Quality of Life

Going through peritoneal dialysis not only helps you with your kidney functions but also improves your overall quality of life. With less restrictive diets and controlled blood pressure, this gives you a better chance to work normally without any restrictions.

-Reduced Risk of Anemia

Unlike hemodialysis, peritoneal does not require any blood pumps or needles, which reduces any kind of blood loss during the treatment. Furthermore, the dialysis solution can be formulated to enhance iron absorption in blood with specific additives and medication, essentially minimizing the risk of anemia.

-Less Stressful on Body

Peritoneal dialysis does not involve any invasive procedures involving needles or heavy machines, which puts less stress on the body. This allows you to have a better overall health and use the solution formula that helps with other underlying conditions such as lower iron absorption, low red blood cell production, and so on.

Potential Risks Associated with Peritoneal Dialysis

Although peritoneal dialysis is way less complicated and easy on your body, there are a few complications that may arise as a side effect. These potential risks are listed below:

-Infections

As it uses the inner lining of your abdomen, the risk of it getting infected can not be overlooked. It is the most common risk related to peritoneal dialysis. Not only the abdomen lining but the site where the catheter has been placed can also get infected if not properly taken care of. Performing the exchange of fluid in an unsterilized environment is a potential risk that can lead to serious consequences. This risk gets even higher if the person performing the dialysis is not well-trained.

-Weight gain

The fluid passed into your body contains a significant amount of sugar called dextrose. Getting into your body, some of this fluid can get absorbed by your stomach, which can cause an intake of hundreds of extra calories, leading to weight gain. This can also present a risk of developing high blood sugar and can be very dangerous if you have diabetes or even if you are at the risk of getting it.

-Hernia

The process is quite lengthy and requires several hours to complete even a single exchange. Holding fluids in the body for such a long time may cause muscle strain in your abdomen, leading to a risk of getting a hernia.

-Treatment becomes less effective

This is not an effective solution for a long time. The effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis slowly fades over several years of treatment and may stop working after some time. This is not a long-term solution, and you may eventually need to switch to hemodialysis.

Reliable Peritoneal Dialysis Supplies for Your Care

Managing peritoneal dialysis starts with having the right tools. CN Meditech provides top-quality PD Catheters and Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Kits designed for safety, comfort, and ease of use. Their products help make your treatment smoother and stress-free. Take charge of your dialysis journey with trusted solutions that put your comfort first. Check out CN Meditech’s range today and experience the difference!