There are three different ways to carry out chronic peritoneal dialysis.
This is also known as Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) and is carried out at home overnight by a machine while the child and family sleep. The machine carefully measures the amount of fluid which runs in and out of the abdomen each cycle. The exact number of cycles will be decided by the kidney specialist. In the morning the dialysis will be stopped and the catheter capped. Your child can then attend school or enjoy normal activities. It may be possible for your child to have one night free from dialysis during the week if he/she is passing urine.
This method of dialysis is carried out by manual changes every 4 to 6 hours of dialysis fluid called bag changes. You will be taught how to connect a bag of dialysis fluid to the end of the catheter, run it in, leave to dwell and drain out. Again your child is free to enjoy normal activities and there should be no discomfort.
This may be carried out two or three times a week in hospital, usually overnight while your child is sleeping. It is the least efficient form of peritoneal dialysis and is very rarely used these days except when it is not possible to dialyse at home or when your child does not require as much dialysis.
NKF Controlled Document No. 173, Your Child & Chronic Renal Failure — An introductory manual for families — How can we manage this at home?, written 12 June 2004.
Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC, Nottingham.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 12 June 2004
Last updated: 15 August 2007
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