Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the extracorporeal therapies for patients with kidney failure. It can be successfully used as long as the patient or the caregiver is motivated to perform self-care dialysis. In order to have a successful dialysis, a home and a functional peritoneal cavity are necessary. Two major types of peritoneal dialysis are used by the patients: (1) continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and (2) automated peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is associated with both infectious and noninfectious complications. Infectious complications include peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site infection and peritonitis, whereas noninfectious complications are hernias, abdominal cavity fluid leak, genital edema, and hydrothorax. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is also a long-term devastating complication. In terms of cost, peritoneal dialysis is less expensive than hemodialysis.