What is Peritoneal Dialysis?
The peritoneum is a natural lining or membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal wall and covers all the abdominal organs (the stomach, bowels, liver, etc.). It resembles a sausage skin, but has lots of extremely tiny holes in it. These holes allow the peritoneum to be used for dialysis (clearing waste from the blood). As blood flows through the blood vessels in the peritoneum, it flows past the holes. Although the holes are extremely tiny, water and toxins can easily pass through, but blood cells are too large. In this way the peritoneum in PD works as a ‘natural filter’, performing the same function as the ‘artificial filter’ used in haemodialysis. The peritoneum has two layers, and the space or cavity between the layers can be used as a reservoir for dialysis fluid. Normally, the peritoneal cavity contains only about 100 ml of liquid. In fact, it can expand to hold up to 5 litres of liquid (Women who have been pregnant can vouch for this).
Peritoneal dialysis can bide time until a possible kidney transplant. First, you should know what dialysis is. Dialysis is an artificial way to remove waste products and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do so on their own. With peritoneal dialysis, the network of tiny blood vessels in your abdomen is used to filter your blood.
Peritoneal dialysis is another method of renal replacement therapy, except this is routinely done at home, not at a dialysis unit. A fluid called dialysate is placed directly into the abdominal cavity. The fluid causes waste products to cross from the small blood vessels of membranes covering the abdominal organs into the dialysate. Once the dialysate is saturated with waste products the fluid is removed and new fluid placed into the abdominal cavity. This method of dialysis is much less efficient, which is why it is done on a continual basis throughout the day. However, there is more personal freedom associated with this dialysis option.
