Peritoneal dialysis is an alternative to hemodialysis treatments, and it offers many patients important benefits.There are two different ways to conduct your dialysis treatments at home: Continuous Cycler Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD) and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD). Both options require the use of a catheter, which is a small tube put into your lower abdomen through a simple outpatient surgical procedure. A special fluid called dialysate goes into your abdomen through this catheter and into the peritoneum, a thin lining or membrane. The peritoneum performs the dialysis for you, utilizing the dialysate.

The dialysate draws excess fluid, waste and chemicals across the peritoneum. It is then drained out, taking the impurities with it. This process is called an exchange, and it can be completed during your day or while you sleep at night.

There are two different ways to do your home dialysis treatment:
CAPD: Several times a day, you will exchange the dialysate fluid in your abdomen (fluid that contains excess water and impurities removed from your blood) with fresh dialysate, to begin the dialysis procedure again. The exchange takes about 30 minutes, and is usually done in the morning, at lunch, in the late afternoon and before bed. In-between exchanges you go about your normal routine and enjoy all of your usual activities – meanwhile, your body is doing the work of dialysis. Your exchange schedule can be adjusted around your personal schedule. The frequency of exchanges will be determined by your personal physician.

CCPD: Most of the CCPD exchanges are performed while you sleep at night. A portable machine called a cycler automatically does the exchanges for you. The cycler is simple to operate, but you will also receive training from Gateway’s registered nurse before beginning therapy at home.
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