Home dialysis is when people perform dialysis at home. Some people do this on their own, and others have help from a family member or other caregiver.
Peritoneal dialysis removes any excess water and waste from your body by using the peritoneal membrane (lining of your belly) as a filter. A catheter (soft plastic tube) is surgically inserted into your belly to allow dialysis fluid to enter. After several hours (during which time the dialysis occurs), the fluid is drained from your body and discarded. Training for peritoneal dialysis can be done in under a week and includes educational training videos to help guide you through each step.
There are two types of peritoneal dialysis:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)
- Approximately two to three litres of dialysis fluid is carried in your belly at all times
- Manual exchanges are done every few hours and can take from 20 to 45 minutes each time
- Automated or continuous cycler peritoneal dialysis (APD, CCPD)
- The exchanges are done during the night while you sleep using the automatic cycler machine
- You are required to be attached to the machine every night for eight to ten hours, plus some preparing and clean-up time
Some Benefits of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD):
- Continuous dialysis can improve well-being
- lowers stress on your heart and blood vessels
- Schedule flexibility
- can continue working or going to school, with less commuting to and from the hospital
- Ability to travel
- allows you to travel while still able to follow your treatment schedule
- Body image
- catheter is concealed under clothing
- No needles required
- Fewer dietary restrictions when compared with in-centre hemodialysis
- Assisted PD is available for patients who have challenges in doing PD on their own
If you are interested in peritoneal dialysis but require additional support, we offer assisted peritoneal dialysis care. A trained nurse would visit you as needed to assist you with equipment set up and cleaning up treatments. The assisted option is available regardless of where you live, whether it’s at home or at a retirement home.
Please speak with your healthcare team to learn more about this option.
Peritoneal Dialysis Fact Sheets
The links below will explain the basics about your care, help you understand how peritoneal dialysis works, and how to manage your dialysis at home. Please speak to your renal care team if you have any questions.
