Peritoneal Dialysis

Picture of the process of peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis uses a natural filter inside your body—the lining of your belly, called the peritoneal membrane—to remove wastes and extra fluid from your body. It also restores the normal balance of certain minerals in the blood (electrolytes). The dialysis fluid fills the belly and pulls out extra minerals and fluids from the bloodstream. These wastes then drain out of the body along with the dialysis fluid into a collection bag. Peritoneal dialysis is usually done at home.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerTushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology
Last RevisedMay 10, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: May 10, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Tushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology

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