Peritoneal (Abdominal) Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is the preferred method if it has to be done on an emergency basis and/or if the need for it is expected to be temporary. The renal specialist (nephrologist) places a dual lumen tube (two tubes in one) into the abdomen. The patient comes out of the operating room with the external end of the tube capped or plugged. The inside of this closed system is sterile. The nurse then hangs a bag of dialysate solution on an IV pole and infuses it into the abdomen. After one to two hours, the nurse drains the solution from the abdomen into a collection bag. While in the abdomen, the solution draws off metabolic waste from the blood (components of urine). The risks of this procedure are abdominal infection, sudden loss of blood pressure with too much fluid draining from the blood (hypovolemic shock), and blood-related complications. |
by T.Sharon
