Peritoneal dialysis is a method of blood cleansing for patients with impaired liver function. A catheter is surgically inserted into the abdomen, and a solution called dialysate is drained into the cavity to collect waste products from the body. There are different types of peritoneal dialysis, and it can be conducted at home. However, there are potential risks such as catheter blockage and infection. The treating physician can determine if this method is suitable for the patient.
Peritoneal dialysis is a process that helps remove impurities from the bloodstream. Along with hemodialysis, this form of blood cleansing is necessary when the liver is no longer able to effectively cleanse the blood. While this form of dialysis is the most beneficial course of treatment for some patients, it is not the best option for everyone.
The peritoneal dialysis process requires the surgical insertion of a catheter. The catheter’s location is a point along the abdominal cavity, usually towards either side or just below the belly button. Because some types of this form of dialysis can be conducted outside a health care facility, the catheter is a permanent attachment that requires regular maintenance.
With the catheter in place, the actual treatment can begin. A bag of fluid, known as dialysate, is attached to the catheter and allowed to drain into the abdominal cavity. Dialysate content includes a mixture of plasma, glucose, sterile water, and electrolytes specified by the treating physician. Depending on the patient’s needs, the dialysate will remain in the abdomen for sixty minutes to ten hours.
During the time the dialysate is in the abdominal cavity, the solution collects waste products from the body. As fluid is expelled from the abdomen via the catheter, waste is also expelled and caught in a catheter bag. As a result of the procedure, the blood is kept relatively free of impurities.
There are actually several types of peritoneal dialysis that are in common use today. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis uses gravity to allow dialysate to drain in and out of the abdominal cavity over a period of four to ten hours. This approach to dialysis is helpful for people who prefer to do the procedure at home or who want to manage the process themselves while out of town.
A second option is known as automated peritoneal dialysis. This approach requires the use of what is known as a peritoneal cycling machine. Depending on the patient’s condition, this process may mostly be employed at night, with a longer session during the day. An alternative process, known as intermittent peritoneal dialysis, involves several long sessions each week, usually ten to fourteen hours at a time. The intermittent method is rarely conducted in any setting other than a hospital.
One of the benefits of peritoneal dialysis is that it handles the blood purification process at a somewhat similar rate to normal liver function. This means that there are no sudden drops in blood glucose or electrolytes that could lead to trauma to the body. Another benefit is that most forms of this treatment can be conducted privately at home, rather than having to travel to a hospital or clinic.
However, there are some potential liabilities with peritoneal dialysis. Treatments take longer than hemodialysis. The catheter could become blocked, preventing proper exchange of the dialysate. There is also the possibility of infection at the insertion site and some potential bowel and bladder problems due to the catheter being inserted.
The treating physician can assess the patient’s condition and explain why peritoneal dialysis may or may not be the best option. While there are some drawbacks, many people find this approach less tiring than hemodialysis and it also allows them more time to pursue other activities. Many people respond well to this form of waste removal and experience few, if any, side effects.
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