Peritoneal dialysis makes use of peritoneal membrane, a lining of the abdomen, to store dialysis fluid temporarily, so that dialysis takes place within the body. This means that patients manage their own care to a greater extent than haemodialysis patients, who have to attend hospitals or clinics very frequently.
Dialysis takes about 1-2 hours each day, rather than about 4 hours several times per week. In this case however the patient has an operation in which a catheter is inserted into the abdomen and dialysis fluid is then administered through this.
The peritoneal membrane takes the place of the artificial semi-permeable membrane in kidney machines, allowing excess water and waste products to pass into the dialysis fluid, which is then trained away.
Both forms of dialysis have their benefits and drawbacks and in either case regular monitoring is essential.
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