Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an innovative and patient-friendly approach to managing kidney failure.
PD has become a cornerstone in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treatment by offering the freedom to perform dialysis at a clinic or home.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and is a candidate for dialysis, we are here to help.
Here, we outline the 3 types of peritoneal dialysis available to you.
This approach provides flexibility and control over treatment schedules, allowing patients to balance their renal care with their daily lives.
3 Types of Peritoneal Dialysis: Explained
The three main types of peritoneal dialysis include continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis, and intermittent peritoneal dialysis.
Continue reading to learn more about these innovative and effective dialysis treatment options.
1. Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
CAPD, or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, is a treatment method used to manage kidney failure, particularly in patients with severe kidney disease. It’s special because it doesn’t need a machine, giving patients more freedom to be treated where and when is most convenient for them.
First, a flexible tube (catheter) is put into the belly through a small incision. This tube helps swap fluids during the dialysis process. A unique sterile liquid called dialysis solution is used for the dialysis and flows into the patient’s belly through the tube. The dialysis solution stays there for a set amount of time, letting the body clear waste and extra fluids through the stomach lining (peritoneum) into the dialysis solution.
After this time, the dialysis fluid used to carry the waste and extra fluids is drained into a bag and discarded. Finally, the process is repeated, and a new bag of the dialysis solution is connected to the tube. This process is called an exchange and helps purify the blood. Each exchange takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The kidney doctor will determine how many exchanges should be completed each day.
The best thing about CAPD is that it lets people perform dialysis at home, work, or even when traveling, making it easier to keep a regular routine.
2. Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD)
Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD) is a type of peritoneal dialysis used to treat kidney failure.
Like CAPD, CCPD involves using the peritoneum to filter and cleanse the blood.
With CCPD, a machine called a cycler does multiple dialysis fluid exchanges while the patient sleeps at night. This automatic cycle lets the fluid switch out at night and stay in longer during the day as the kidney doctor prescribes.
CCPD allows for more free time during the day as it completes the exchanges overnight while sleeping.
3. Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (IPD)
Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (IPD) is a type of peritoneal dialysis used to manage kidney failure. Unlike CAPD or CCPD, which involve continuous or cyclical dialysis treatments, IPD uses fewer, more intermittent sessions.
During IPD, the dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdomen and then removed after a set dwell time based on the kidney doctor’s prescription, allowing for waste and excess fluids to be drawn out. These sessions typically occur less frequently than in continuous methods and can be done manually or with a machine.
This form of dialysis offers some flexibility compared to continuous methods, as it may involve fewer exchanges and can be done at home. The kidney doctor will know what is best for each patient.
All types of peritoneal dialysis require strict cleaning habits and sticking to a set plan outlined by a dialysis doctor. Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor the patient is healthly and adjust the treatment as needed.
Effective and Convenient Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment You Can Trust
A chronic kidney disease diagnosis does not always require frequent and extended visits to a dialysis clinic – home dialysis is possible.
Peritoneal dialysis may be an excellent treatment option if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CKD or ESRD.
To learn more about the three types of peritoneal dialysis, we encourage you to contact our experienced and compassionate team today. Your kidney health matters to us.
Informed patients are healthier and can more easily adjust to the restrictions associated with having a chronic disease.
“You’ll never find the quality of care that you get at an ARA facility anywhere else. The staff always have your best interest at heart and will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and help however they can. The truth is, I consider them my extended family!”
Mr. Randal Beatty, University Kidney Center Hikes Lane, Louisville, KY
