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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Peritoneal dialysis (per-ih-tuh-NEE-ul di-AL-uh-sis) is a way to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job adequately. During peritoneal dialysis, blood vessels in your abdominal lining (peritoneum) fill in for your kidneys, with the help of a fluid (dialysate) that flows into and out of the peritoneal space.
Peritoneal dialysis differs from hemodialysis, a more commonly used blood-filtering procedure. With peritoneal dialysis, you can give yourself treatments at home, at work or while traveling. You may be able to use fewer medications and eat a less restrictive diet than you can with hemodialysis.
Peritoneal dialysis isn't an option for everyone with kidney failure. You need manual dexterity (or a reliable caregiver) and the ability to care for yourself at home.
- Liu KD, et al. Dialysis in the treatment of renal failure. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Online. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=4. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
- Peritoneal dialysis: What you need to know. National Kidney Foundation. http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/peritoneal.cfm. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
- Treatment methods for kidney failure: Peritoneal dialysis. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/peritoneal/. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
- Burkart JM, et al. Choosing a modality for peritoneal dialysis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
- Burkart JM, et al. Adequacy of peritoneal dialysis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
- Peritoneal dialysis dose and adequacy. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/peritonealdose/. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
- Post TW, et al. Overview of the management of chronic kidney disease in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
- Gajjar AH. Peritoneal dialysis catheters: Laparoscopic versus traditional placement techniques and outcomes. The American Journal of Surgery. 2007;194:872.
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