Benefits of peritoneal dialysis (PD)

PD at home may be the right treatment for you if you work, study, or travel regularly and if it suits your lifestyle and medical and physical condition. It may provide more flexibility, freedom, and independence than other types of dialysis. It can save you and your caregivers frequent trips to the hospital or clinic.

Portable equipment makes it easier to perform treatment in other locations. Treatment doesn’t require daily needles, is usually painless, and is considered gentler on your body than other types of dialysis. As a result, you feel better directly after your dialysis when compared to other dialysis types. Finally, because PD is performed daily and cleanses the blood continuously over 24 hours, you are receiving more frequent dialysis.

These benefits aside, there are additional items you should consider before discussing PD with your clinician. You should be aware that PD, like any dialysis treatment, requires special considerations. You will:

• Need to get used to the feeling of performing PD. You may experience some physical symptoms, such as fullness, when you begin your treatments.
• Have to follow important precautions to avoid the risk of infection, which your healthcare team will teach you.
• Need storage space in your home for PD supplies and equipment.
• Have a catheter implanted in your abdomen for the duration of your therapy.