Benefits of peritoneal dialysis

1. Peritoneal dialysis is a gentle treatment for removal of metabolic wastes produced by the human body. Peritoneal dialysis can continuously purify the blood, making blood biochemical values more stable and helping to maintain residual renal function (urine output). There are no needles, no pain, no risk of bleeding, and no cramps during peritoneal dialysis
2. Freedom of movement (unrestricted lifestyle, overseas travel).

Is peritoneal dialysis troublesome?

1. Is it troublesome to change the solution 4-5 times a day? As with three meals a day, you can also opt for fully automatic peritoneal dialysis once a day (dialysis during rest and sleep).
2. Is peritoneal dialysis difficult to learn? After tube implantation, professional peritoneal dialysis nurses will teach individual patients and family members relevant techniques and precautions. Only when the fluid change technique can be correctly operated, the patients can receive peritoneal dialysis at home. Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based treatment. Currently, about 10% of dialysis populations in Taiwan.

Is it true that peritoneal dialysis is prone to infection (peritonitis)?

1. At present, peritonitis may occur only once every 5 years on average in peritoneal dialysis patients in Taiwan.
2. All treatments are likely to develop complications. The emphasis should be on prevention in advance and guidance from medical staff. Wash hands and wear masks properly every time you change medicine and carry out catheter exit site care.
3. Hemodialysis may also cause complications, such as fistula and blood-related infections.
4. With the progress of medical science, the rate of a switch to hemodialysis for peritoneal dialysis patients with peritonitis has decreased year by year, and the current rate is about 16%.

Can peritoneal dialysis thoroughly clean your blood?

• Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can remove small molecule toxins and water. Peritoneal dialysis uses an indicator of clearance different from hemodialysis, neither of which can replace normal kidney function.

Is it true that glucose in peritoneal dialysis solution will make it difficult to put blood sugar under control?

• With the progress of medical treatment, there are also glucose-free medicines (Extraneal and nutritional solutions) available which can be evaluated by doctors and used in accordance with the principle of National Health Insurance payment. Studies also indicate that patients using Extraneal have better ultrafiltration efficiency.

Survival rates of peritoneal dialysis vs hemodialysis

• Taiwanese data analysis found that both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis are comparable, regardless of short-term or long-term survival rates.

Is it possible to bathe and swim while the peritoneal dialysis catheter is placed in the abdomen?

• It is advisable to take a shower (not a bath). Before swimming, proper protective measures should be taken, and the exit site of the catheter should be cleaned immediately after a shower and a dip to keep it dry.

Should I pay for the peritoneal dialysis solution? How do I get it home?

• At present, the dialysis solution is covered in full by the National Health Insurance Administration, and the rent of a fully automatic peritoneal dialysis machine is also subsidized. At the monthly revisit, the doctor will an appropriate amount of dialysis solution, which will be delivered home by the medicine company.