Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, is a form of kidney replacement therapy that uses the properties of the peritoneum as a dialyser. The peritoneum is the bag-like membrane that surrounds all the intestines. It is known as a semi-permeable membrane because it allows substances through in one direction more easily than the other. In that way it can be used to remove waste products and excess water from the body.

Peritoneal dialysis is carried out at home each night using a machine whilst your child sleeps. Your child will have a catheter (soft tube) inserted into their abdomen which is used for the dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis works by performing multiple cycles over the night, which are made up of three stages:
1. Fill – the abdomen is filled with the dialysis fluid. The volume is worked out according to your child’s weight.
2. Dwell – the fluid stays in the peritoneal cavity for a period of time. During this time the waste products and excess water are removed from the blood through the small vessels in the peritoneum.
3. Drain – The ‘dirty’ fluid is drained from the abdomen into a waste bag and the process starts again.

The programme of dialysis will be individualised to your child and is adjusted according to their urine output and blood tests.

PD is the most common form of dialysis in children because it means children do not have attend Nottingham multiple times a week for dialysis. Instead they can attend school regularly and there is less impact on the whole family.