Dialysis is a treatment with the aid of a pump that filters and sanitizes the blood. Body fluids and electrolytes are regulated and preserved during this procedure when kidneys aren’t working. Dialysis has been used to support people suffering from kidney disorders since the 1940’s.
Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment
In peritoneal dialysis, a catheter with peritoneal dialysis (PD) is inserted into your abdomen through surgery. A catheter enables filtering of the blood into the peritoneum, a stomach membrane. A special fluid known as dialysate circulates into the peritoneum under this procedure, and dialysate absorbs impurities or body waste.
This entire cycle takes about a couple of hours and includes a 5-6 times regular replication. While you can perform this process when you are sleeping or awake.
Types of Peritoneal Dialysis
There are various sorts of peritoneal dialysis are available, however the important ones are:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) Under this procedure, abdomen is filled and drained many times every day. This procedure is performed when you’re awake and it doesn’t need a machine.
- Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) CCPD uses a machine to circulate the fluid in and out of your stomach and it’s mainly carried out at night when you’re at sleep.
- Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) treatment is mainly performed in hospital though it is used at home. Under this procedure CCPD machine is used and entire process of dialysis takes longer time.
- Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). This treatment is primarily used for individuals with acute kidney failure in the intensive care unit and it’s also known as hemofiltration. A machine circulates the blood through tubing and then filter removes impurities and excess fluid. Then purified blood returned to body with replacement fluid. This method is performed every day for about 12-24 hours a day.
Peritoneal dialysis risk factors
Peritoneal dialysis can increase the risk for infection in or around the site of catheter in the abdominal cavity. For instance, post catheter implantation surgery, an individual can encounter peritonitis which is an infection of the membrane covering the abdominal wall.
Other risks factor also include:
- pain in abdomen
- weak abdominal muscle
- Increase in weight
- Hernia
- Fever
- Increase in blood sugar because of the dextrose in the dialysate
When dialysis should be stopped?
If you’re planning to stop dialysis treatment, please consult your doctor to examine your health like your weight and blood pressure. These examination can help decide if the dialysis effective.
Prior to halting dialysis treatment, share your concern with your doctor. While it’s not recommended to stop any treatment at any time, it may create several health complication, consult your doctor or they may suggest you to speak with mental health professional before halting this life-saving treatment. If your condition causing the kidney failure has not been revived, then halting dialysis will even lead to death.