The process in which blood is purified using the peritoneal membrane of the abdominal cavity as a dialysis screen or filter is called peritoneal dialysis.
A small incision is made in the patient’s abdominal wall to perform peritoneal dialysis. A plastic tube peritoneal dialysis catheter is inserted through the incision into the abdominal cavity. Dialysate (dialyzing solution) is injected into the abdominal cavity through this tube. The peritoneal membrane of the abdominal cavity acts as a dialysis screen or strainer. Dialysis screens separate water, urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, potassium etc. from the blood. As a result, the blood is purified. Dialysate is infused 3-4 times a day. During this test, the patient can walk and lead an independent and normal life. So this type of dialysis is called CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis). Although CAPD is simple and less expensive, the peritoneal membrane may develop peritonitis.