Peritoneal dialysis

This is a method that is performed at home after a period of education in our dialysis centre. It differs from haemodialysis in that the blood is treated without passing through a circuit outside the body. It is your peritoneum (the membrane that surrounds the organs in the abdomen) that acts as a filter. It requires a surgeon to place a catheter in the abdominal cavity beforehand. The catheter exits the abdominal wall and is protected by a dressing. This method requires rigorous hygiene and a suitable home (hygiene and storage of equipment). With this method, exchanges are carried out several times a day, either by the patient himself or by a third party (nurse).

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

In this treatment modality, 4 manual exchanges are carried out during the day, usually by the patient himself or by a nurse. Depending on the case, 1.5 litres to 3 litres are manually infused into the peritoneum for each exchange.

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)

This type of treatment is carried out while the patient is asleep, using a machine known as a cycler. It carries out the exchanges automatically. The treatment lasts from 8:00 to 10:00. DPA offers great flexibility of schedule for patients who still have a normal social or professional activity.

Peritoneal dialysis can present risks:

• Peritoneal infections or peritonitis,
• malnutrition (worsening of the condition)
• Insufficient purification (malfunction of the catheter and/or your peritoneum, disappearance of diuresis).

For these 2 treatment methods, medical monitoring is carried out at least once a month. An on-call team (nurse and nephrologist) is available 24 hours a day.