Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis treats kidney failure using the thin membrane lining the abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter. A cleansing fluid flows into the abdomen through a soft, permanent catheter, draws out waste and excess fluid, and is later drained away. It can often be done at home, by day or overnight, giving more independence than unit-based dialysis.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
In peritoneal dialysis, a special dialysis fluid is run into the abdomen through a soft tube that is placed to stay in permanently. The peritoneum — the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity — acts as the filter: waste products and excess fluid pass from the blood vessels in its lining into the fluid, which is then drained away and replaced. Each fill, dwell and drain is called an exchange.
There are two main approaches. In continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), you perform several exchanges by hand during the day. In automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), a machine carries out the exchanges overnight while you sleep. Both are usually done at home after training by the nephrology and dialysis team, who teach a careful, clean technique and stay available for support. The choice between peritoneal and hemodialysis depends on your health, lifestyle and preference, discussed with your nephrologist.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges the evaluation, a clear treatment plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, including catheter placement, training and supplies. Nephrologists can review your reports and recent bloodwork remotely beforehand, so suitability and the plan are understood before you arrive.
Who is a candidate?
- People with kidney failure who are suitable for and prefer a home-based therapy
- Patients who want more independence and a flexible daily schedule
- Those needing dialysis while awaiting a kidney transplant
- People without abdominal problems or extensive prior surgery that would rule it out
- Patients able, with a helper if needed, to learn and follow a clean exchange technique
- People choosing between peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis with their nephrologist
What happens
- 1
Assessment
Your nephrologist reviews kidney function and your abdomen, health and home situation to confirm peritoneal dialysis is suitable and to help you choose between it and hemodialysis.
- 2
Catheter placement
A soft catheter is placed into the abdomen in a minor procedure. It is usually left to settle for a couple of weeks before regular use so the site can heal.
- 3
Training and exchanges
The team trains you in a clean technique. You then perform exchanges at home — several by hand during the day (CAPD) or by machine overnight (APD) — filling, dwelling and draining the fluid.
- 4
Ongoing monitoring
Regular reviews, blood tests and checks of how well the dialysis is clearing waste keep treatment on track, with the plan and fluid strength adjusted over time and remote support after you return home.
Benefits
- Uses your body's own membrane as a natural filter, without a machine drawing blood
- Can often be done at home, by day or overnight, allowing more independence
- A flexible daily routine that many people fit around work and travel
- Avoids the need for repeated needling of a vascular access
- Maintains health while awaiting assessment or a kidney transplant
Risks & considerations
- Peritonitis — infection of the abdominal lining — which needs prompt treatment
- Infection or irritation at the catheter exit site, which is monitored for
- Weight gain or raised blood sugar from the glucose in some dialysis fluids
- Hernias or fluid leaks related to the fluid in the abdomen
- The need to follow the technique carefully and store supplies at home; dialysis maintains but does not cure kidney failure
- Contact your dialysis team promptly if the drained fluid becomes cloudy or you develop abdominal pain, fever, or redness, pain or discharge at the catheter exit site, as these can signal peritonitis or infection needing urgent care
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Nephrology.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Peritoneal Dialysis — frequently asked questions
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your own abdomen as a natural filter, exchanging fluid through a soft tube, and is usually done at home. Hemodialysis filters your blood through a machine, usually about three times a week at a unit. Your nephrologist helps you choose between them.
In CAPD you perform several fluid exchanges by hand during the day. In APD a machine carries out the exchanges automatically overnight while you sleep. Both use the same catheter and principle; the choice depends on your routine and preference.
Yes, that is the usual aim. The nephrology and dialysis team train you, and a helper if you wish, in a careful, clean technique before you start, and remain available for questions. Many people manage exchanges at home around daily life.
Yes. Your coordinator can arrange assessment, catheter placement, training and supplies, and plan your care around your stay. Share your records in advance so our nephrologists can review suitability before you travel.
No. Like all dialysis it maintains health but does not cure kidney failure, so it continues unless your kidney function recovers or you receive a transplant. For suitable patients, a kidney transplant is the definitive treatment your nephrologist can discuss with you.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual and depends on the therapy and supplies you need. Your coordinator confirms the details and arranges care around your stay.
Related treatments
Considering peritoneal dialysis?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.