In addition to ridding your body of waste and excess fluids, your kidneys also help to control your blood pressure.
There are two types of dialysis treatments —hemodialysis and peritoneal.
About Peritoneal Dialysis
Unlike hemodialysis which uses an artificial kidney machine to filter your blood, peritoneal dialysis relies on the inside lining of your own belly to act as a natural filter.
For this method, surgery is required to place a small catheter in your belly. Through it, a sterile cleansing fluid called dialysate is administered. Once the filtering process is complete, the excess fluid exits your body through the catheter.
There are two types of peritoneal dialysis:
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
- Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
The two methods differ slightly, but the physicians at Durham Nephrology can advise which is best for you based on your medical condition and personal preferences.
For more information about peritoneal dialysis or other available treatment options, call (919) 477-3005 to schedule an appointment today. No facility fee charges.
