CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (CAPD)

Typical Number in Hospital:

Cost Bands:

References: 3

Peritoneal dialysis can sometimes be used as an alternative to haemodialysis and uses the natural membrane of the peritoneum. This is a double membrane which envelops most of the organs in the abdomen. A soft tube (usually silicon rubber) is surgically inserted through the skin into the space between the two membranes and through which a special sterile dialysing fluid is passed. Toxins of small molecular weight will pass into the dialysing fluid and it is then withdrawn and new fluid passed in again.

Although this technique has been used for many years with a system of valves and timers and a heater to control the change of fluid, a new technique is gaining popularity which allows the patient much more freedom. In continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis a collapsible bag which contains about two litres of the fluid is connected to the tube leading to the peritoneum. The fluid is discharged from the bag through the tube and the bag is then folded up onto a belt worn by the patient. After a few hours the fluid is returned to the bag, and a new bag fitted when required.

The value of this technique is that it gives the patient much greater freedom, and is less susceptible to infection due to less frequent connection and disconnection. The quality of the dialysate is much more important than in haemodialysis since it does come into direct contact with the patient tissues.