Peritoneal Dialysis... explained

Summary

Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that uses the peritoneum, the lining inside the abdomen, to filter waste from the blood. Dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter, where it draws out waste products and excess water. The fluid then drains out, and the process is repeated in cycles. There are two main types: automated peritoneal dialysis (using a machine while sleeping) and manual peritoneal dialysis (done manually every 6-8 hours). The fluid removed during each cycle is known as ultrafiltration, which helps manage fluid balance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Peritoneal dialysis (PD) helps clean the blood for those with kidney failure by using the abdomen.
• 😀 The peritoneum is the lining inside the abdomen that wraps around the gut and other internal organs.
• 😀 Dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdomen to draw waste products out of the body.
• 😀 A peritoneal dialysis catheter is inserted around the gut to allow fluid to be put in and drained out.
• 😀 The process involves the fluid dwelling inside the abdomen, during which waste products and water are slowly removed.
• 😀 Fluid is drained out after the dwelling phase, and the cycle begins again.
• 😀 Ultrafiltration (UF) refers to the removal of excess fluid from the body, and a small amount is removed in each cycle.
• 😀 Around 100 mls of UF is removed per cycle in this example, adding up to 400 mls after four cycles.
• 😀 There are two main types of PD: Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), which uses a machine overnight, and Manual PD, which is used in most parts of the world.
• 😀 APD involves a machine draining and filling fluid every hour during the night for around 10 hours.
• 😀 Manual PD requires patients to drain old fluid and refill with fresh fluid every 6-8 hours.

Q & A

What is peritoneal dialysis and how does it work?

Peritoneal dialysis is a method used to clean the blood for individuals with kidney failure. It involves using the peritoneum, the lining inside the abdomen, to filter waste products from the body. A dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdomen, drawing out waste, and then the fluid is drained out, carrying the waste with it.

What is the role of the peritoneum in peritoneal dialysis?

The peritoneum is the lining inside the abdomen, and it acts as a natural filter. It wraps around the gut and other internal organs, allowing the dialysis fluid to draw out waste products and excess water from the body during the dialysis process.

What is the peritoneal dialysis catheter, and how is it used?

The peritoneal dialysis catheter is a tube inserted into the abdomen to allow the dialysis fluid to be introduced and drained. It remains in place around the gut and is essential for carrying out the dialysis process.

What does the 'dwell' refer to in peritoneal dialysis?

The 'dwell' refers to the period during which the dialysis fluid stays in the abdomen. During this time, waste products and excess water are drawn from the body into the fluid.

What is ultrafiltration (UF) in the context of peritoneal dialysis?

Ultrafiltration (UF) is the process of removing excess fluid from the body during peritoneal dialysis. It involves the gradual removal of a small amount of fluid with each cycle, helping to maintain a balance of fluids in the body.

How much fluid is typically removed during each cycle of peritoneal dialysis?

In the example provided in the script, around 100 milliliters of ultrafiltrate (UF) is removed from the body during each cycle of peritoneal dialysis.

What are the two main types of peritoneal dialysis?

The two main types of peritoneal dialysis are automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and manual peritoneal dialysis (MPD). APD uses a machine and is typically performed overnight, while MPD is done manually every 6-8 hours.

How does automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) work?

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) uses a machine to fill and drain the dialysis fluid in the abdomen. The process typically occurs overnight, with the machine draining and refilling the fluid about once every hour.

How is manual peritoneal dialysis (MPD) typically performed?

In manual peritoneal dialysis (MPD), the patient drains the old dialysis fluid and refills the abdomen with fresh fluid every 6-8 hours. This is typically done by the patient without the assistance of a machine.

How does peritoneal dialysis help individuals with kidney failure?

Peritoneal dialysis helps individuals with kidney failure by replacing the kidney’s function of filtering waste and excess fluid from the body. It draws out waste products and fluid through the abdomen, thereby maintaining a proper fluid balance and preventing harmful buildup of waste.