Peritoneal Dialysis

In this form of dialysis, a plastic tube called Tecnckhoff catheter is placed through surgery into the abdomen (belly) to make an access.  Peritoneal dialysis works by using the body's peritoneal membrane, which is inside the abdomen, as a semi-permeable membrane. Special solution is infused in through the catheter, remains in the abdomen for a time, and then is drained out. The fluid that is drained out (the dialysate) contains the waste products and the extra fluid that has to be removed from the body. This form of dialysis can be formed at home, but must be done on a continuous, everyday basis.