Peritoneal Dialysis Unit
This service is for patients who have started the life-long treatment of renal replacement therapy. This department looks after renal patients who have chosen the therapy of peritoneal dialysis and has a dedicated team of a consultant and a team of nurses.
Patients may change over to Haemodialysis therapy at some stage or receive a Renal transplant (kidney transplant).
Peritoneal dialysis explained
Peritoneal dialysis works by passing special fluid into the tummy. Some of the toxic chemicals in your blood pass into the fluid and, after four to six hours the fluid is drained out, toxins and all.
Peritoneal dialysis relies on the natural filtering ability of the internal lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum). Fluid is inserted from a closed bag into your abdomen, via an artificial tube connection (a catheter). It is left there for a few hours to allow the filtering to happen naturally, and then taken out again via the tube. The fluid enables toxins from the blood and excess body fluid to be removed.
Peritoneal dialysis involves an operation where a tube (catheter) is inserted into your abdomen, with one end inside, and the other end going through the muscle and skin layers, to the outside. This is kept closed off except when fluid is being put in, or taken out of, the abdomen.
Peritoneal dialysis can be done three-five times per day and/or overnight.
Peritoneal dialysis care comes under the Home Therapies Team: 01603 287070
Recommended Web Sites explaining all renal replacement therapies (renal transplantation, peritoneal dialysis & haemodialysis).