Peritoneal Dialysis

The second type of peritoneal dialysis, Automated peritoneal dialysis involves a machine.

The second type of peritoneal dialysis, Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) involves a machine. You attach the tubing and solution bags to the machine. Before going to sleep, you connect the tubing to the peritoneal catheter. During the night the machine performs the dialysis.

For extra therapy, dialysis solution remains in the peritoneal cavity during the day. The peritoneal cavity of most adults can hold about two to three litres of fluid.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Peritoneal Dialysis

Advantages	Disadvantages
Patient very involved in self-care	Four exchanges per day
Control over schedule/freedom	Nightly machine exchanges(APD)
Less restricted diet	Permanent external catheter
Typically, once a month clinic visits	Some risk of infections
No needles	Potential weight gain
More steady physical condition	Store supplies at home
Typically, no daytime exchange(APD)	Body image change

(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)