Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage kidney disease, offering a degree of autonomy and lifestyle flexibility. After placement of a catheter into the peritoneal cavity under either general or local anaesthetic, the patient is instructed how to perform dialysis exchanges during which dialysate is instilled into the peritoneal cavity. These exchanges can be performed either manually (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)), or using a machine (automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)).