Peritoneal dialysis (PD) works inside the body, using the peritoneal membrane, or abdominal lining, as a natural filter to remove waste from the bloodstream. In this form of dialysis, blood never leaves the body. Dialysis fluid enters the peritoneal cavity through a small, plastic tube, called a catheter, surgically inserted in the abdomen. Extra fluid and waste travels across the peritoneal membrane into the dialysis fluid, which is then drained from the abdomen.
There are two types of PD therapy, automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), primarily performed at home while a patient sleeps; and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), also primarily a home-based therapy, that provides continuous dialysis, 24 hours-a-day.
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