vatsakalvodialyysiä

Vatsakalvodialyysiä, also known as peritoneal dialysis (PD), is a treatment for kidney failure. It utilizes the peritoneum, the natural lining of the abdominal cavity, as a filter to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. This process is performed at home, allowing patients greater flexibility compared to hemodialysis.

During peritoneal dialysis, a sterile dialysis solution is introduced into the peritoneal cavity through a surgically placed catheter. This solution stays in the abdomen for a prescribed period, allowing waste products and excess fluid to transfer from the blood vessels in the peritoneum into the dialysis solution. This exchange process is called a "dwell time." After the dwell time, the used dialysis solution, now containing waste products, is drained from the abdomen and discarded. The process is then repeated with fresh dialysis solution.

There are two main types of peritoneal dialysis: continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). CAPD involves manual exchanges performed several times a day, allowing patients to carry on with their daily activities during the dwell times. APD uses a machine called a cycler to perform exchanges automatically, typically overnight while the patient sleeps.

Peritoneal dialysis offers several advantages, including the ability to perform treatment at home, less dietary and fluid restriction compared to hemodialysis, and a gentler process for the body as it avoids the rapid removal of fluid and waste. However, potential complications include infection of the peritoneum (peritonitis), hernias, and weight gain due to the sugar content in some dialysis solutions. Regular medical supervision and proper technique are crucial for successful and safe peritoneal dialysis.