Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks
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Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks
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Register for FreeDisclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis from a physician.
Understanding Your Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Catheter
In order to perform peritoneal dialysis (PD), a PD catheter will need to be placed into your abdomen, chest or sternum area. Your surgeon will work with you to identify appropriate placement.
A PD catheter is a flexible, plastic tube (about the length of a ruler and the width of a pencil) that allows dialysis fluid (called dialysate) to enter the abdominal cavity, pull toxins through the small blood vessels that are in the lining of the abdomen and organs, and then drain the used dialysate back out again. The internal portion of the PD catheter starts at the exit site and ends internally resting in the pelvic region. This helps to ensure all of the fluid that is placed into the abdominal cavity is emptied when drained. This tiny hole, where the catheter comes out of the body, is called the exit site.
PD catheter surgery is considered a minor operation for most patients and complications are often rare. Catheter placement can be done under general anesthesia and usually takes less than one hour. Most people are able to go home the same day. Surgery is typically performed by a surgeon at a hospital, but there are some kidney doctors (nephrologists) and radiologists who are also trained to place PD catheters.
In general, it is recommended to have the catheter placed at least two weeks before beginning PD. There is also a buried PD catheter option that can be considered by your nephrologist and surgeon which allows early placement of a PD catheter prior to use. In some cases, PD may start a few days after surgery. It’s important that you meet with your PD nurse to plan your surgery and follow-up appointment.
What to expect after your PD catheter is placed
After the catheter is placed, the primary goals are to keep the exit site clean and prevent the catheter from pulling on the exit site.
Caring for your PD catheter
Precautions should to be taken against infection because the catheter and the skin surrounding the catheter are potential passageways through which germs can enter the body. Learn more about how to care for your PD catheter here.
A PD catheter, when placed properly and taken care of, shouldn't interfere with most everyday activities and can often be used without problems for many years. Speak with your doctor and care team about any catheter placement surgery questions and to see if PD is right for you.
Find a DaVita PD program
Are you interested in finding a PD program near you? Call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0582 or find a center with a home dialysis program nearest you.
Learn more about PD