Dialysis Types
Different Types of Dialysis
What is Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one of the two types of dialysis (removal of waste and excess water from the blood) that is used to treat people with kidney failure. In PD, the process of dialysis takes place inside the body. The abdomen (tummy) has a lining called the peritoneal membrane, which can be used as a filter to remove excess waste and water.
A tube (catheter) is inserted into the abdomen during an operation. Special dialysis fluid is drained into the abdomen. Excess waste and water pass from the blood into the fluid and after a few hours the fluid is drained out.
What is Haemodialysis
In haemodialysis your blood is allowed to flow, a few millilitres at a time , through a special filter (the ‘dialyser’ or artificial kidney’) that removes wastes and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to your body. This also helps to control your blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals – like acid, potassium and sodium – in your body.
Most patients have dialysis three times a week for 3-5 hours. You will be given a morning, afternoon or evening ‘slot’, depending on availability and capacity at the dialysis unit.
PD
CAPD
Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis, patients have fluid in their abdomen 24 hours a day. At the end of each period of dialysis, they have to change the dialysis fluid themselves
APD
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD). ‘Automated’ means that a machine changes the dialysis fluid for the person, usually at night.
