Peritoneal dialysis, with care that fits home.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneum, as a natural filter. A soft catheter carries a prescribed cleansing solution into and out of your abdomen to help remove waste products and excess fluid.

The process generally involves three steps: filling the abdomen with dialysis solution, allowing the solution to remain for a prescribed period (dwell time), and draining the used solution. The exact schedule depends on your individual treatment plan.

The two common approaches are:

• CAPD: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, which involves manual exchanges during the day.
• Automated PD (APD): Uses a machine called a cycler to perform exchanges, often overnight.

Your nephrologist can help determine which approach is suitable for your health and daily routine.

No. Suitability depends on your medical history, abdominal health, previous surgeries, ability to follow the treatment procedure, home environment and available support. A nephrologist must assess your individual circumstances before recommending this treatment.

Yes. Peritoneal dialysis is commonly performed at home after clinical assessment and appropriate training. You will need a clean treatment area, suitable storage for supplies, and instructions from your dialysis team on hygiene, catheter care and managing your prescribed exchanges.

Training time varies from person to person. A dialysis nurse or trained professional teaches you how to perform exchanges, maintain hygiene, care for the catheter, manage supplies and recognise possible complications. You should begin treatment independently only when your care team confirms you are prepared.

Some people experience a feeling of fullness or bloating while dialysis solution is in the abdomen. Significant or persistent pain is not something to ignore. Contact your dialysis team if you develop abdominal pain, especially if it occurs with fever or cloudy drained fluid.

Possible complications include peritonitis (infection inside the abdominal cavity), catheter-site infection, hernias, fluid leakage and changes in fluid balance. Following your prescribed technique, maintaining hygiene and attending regular follow-ups can help manage treatment risks.

Follow your dialysis team's handwashing, connection, cleaning and catheter-care instructions carefully. Keep the treatment area clean, use supplies as instructed, and avoid touching sterile connection points. Never improvise the procedure if you are unsure about a step; contact your care team.

Cloudy drained dialysis fluid may be a sign of peritonitis. Contact your dialysis team immediately and follow their urgent instructions, even if you do not have other symptoms. Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment.

Many people can travel while receiving PD, provided their treatment is planned in advance. Discuss your destination, supply deliveries, storage needs and backup arrangements with your dialysis team before travelling. If you use an automated cycler, ask how to manage equipment and treatment away from home.

Your dietary needs may change during peritoneal dialysis. Protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and fluid recommendations depend on your health, laboratory results and dialysis prescription. Consult your renal dietitian or nephrologist before making major dietary changes.

Regular follow-ups are essential to check your health, treatment effectiveness, fluid balance, laboratory results and catheter condition. Your nephrologist will determine the frequency of appointments and tests based on your clinical needs. Contact your care team sooner if problems develop.

No. Peritoneal dialysis helps remove waste and excess fluid when the kidneys cannot perform these functions adequately, but it does not cure kidney failure. Your nephrologist can explain your long-term treatment options, including whether a kidney transplant may be appropriate.