Peritoneaalisvetäjä

Peritoneaalisvetäjä, also known as peritoneal dialysis catheter or PD catheter, is a surgically implanted tube used to facilitate peritoneal dialysis. This medical procedure is a form of kidney replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease. The catheter is typically placed in the upper abdomen, passing through the abdominal wall and resting within the peritoneal cavity.

The primary function of the peritoneaalisvetäjä is to allow for the inflow and outflow of dialysate fluid. During peritoneal dialysis, dialysate is infused into the peritoneal cavity through the catheter. The peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, acts as a natural filter. Waste products and excess fluid from the blood are drawn into the dialysate by osmosis and diffusion across the peritoneal membrane. After a specified dwell time, the used dialysate, now containing waste products, is drained from the peritoneal cavity and out of the body through the same catheter.

Peritoneaalisvetäjä insertion is a minor surgical procedure, often performed under local anesthesia. Proper care and hygiene of the catheter exit site are crucial to prevent infection, a common complication associated with peritoneal dialysis. Regular medical follow-up is necessary to monitor the catheter's function and the patient's overall health. The peritoneaalisvetäjä remains in place for the duration of the patient's need for peritoneal dialysis, which can be months or years.