Peritoneal dialysis
A gentle, continuous form of dialysis done entirely at home, using your body’s own peritoneal membrane as the filter. No machine required for most patients.
No machine required
Daily treatment at home
Full training and support
Manual and cycler options
01
Gentle
Continuous, low-volume exchanges
02
Daily
Treatment at home
03
CAPD + APD
Both options available
04
Supplies
Delivered to your door
Interested in peritoneal dialysis?
Start with a conversation. Our home therapy team will walk you through whether it is a good fit.
Contact our home therapy team
Questions? We are happy to talk through it
(210) 798-1955
Mon-Sat, 9am to 3pm
referrals@idsoftx.com
Monitored daily
WHAT IS PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
Dialysis using your body's own filter
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, as a natural filter. During treatment, a sterile fluid called dialysate is placed into your abdomen through a soft catheter. This fluid absorbs waste products and excess fluid from your blood. After a set period of time, the used fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. This cycle is called an exchange.
No clinic visits required for treatment
Unlike in-center HD, PD is done entirely at home. Most patients visit the clinic only for monthly check-ins.
Gentler on the cardiovascular system
The gradual, continuous nature of PD is well-tolerated by many patients, particularly those with heart conditions.
More flexible diet for some
PD removes fluid and waste more continuously, which may allow slightly more flexibility with fluid and potassium intake for some patients.
Good option for active patients
Many patients on PD maintain an active lifestyle, including work and travel, because treatment does not require regular facility visits.
TYPES OF PD
Two options to fit your lifestyle
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, as a natural filter. During treatment, a sterile fluid called dialysate is placed into your abdomen through a soft catheter. This fluid absorbs waste products and excess fluid from your blood. After a set period of time, the used fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. This cycle is called an exchange.
CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory PD)
Manual exchanges done by hand throughout the day. Typically 3 to 4 exchanges per day, each taking 30 to 40 minutes. No machine required.
APD (Automated PD)
Uses a cycler machine to perform exchanges automatically, usually overnight while you sleep. During the day, you are free of the machine.
Note: Our team will help you determine which type of PD is a better fit based on your lifestyle and clinical needs.
GETTING STARTED
The training process
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, as a natural filter. During treatment, a sterile fluid called dialysate is placed into your abdomen through a soft catheter. This fluid absorbs waste products and excess fluid from your blood. After a set period of time, the used fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. This cycle is called an exchange.
01
Catheter placement
Before you begin PD, a surgeon places a soft catheter in your abdomen. This is typically a short outpatient procedure with a brief healing period before training begins.
02
PD training at our facility
Our home therapy team teaches you how to perform exchanges, care for your catheter site, recognize signs of infection, and troubleshoot common issues.
03
Supervised home training
Our team works with you through your first exchanges at home until you and your care team are confident.
04
Independent home PD
You dialyze independently at home with monthly clinic visits and on-call nursing support available at all times.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU
Who is a good candidate for PD
Good candidates typically:
- Have good manual dexterity and ability to follow a routine
- Have a clean, stable home environment
- Are motivated to manage their own care
- Do not have significant abdominal adhesions from prior surgery
- Want to avoid regular clinic visits
May need further evaluation:
- Recent or multiple abdominal surgeries
- Active abdominal hernias
- Inflammatory bowel disease or other abdominal conditions
- Limited dexterity or vision challenges
Info note: Not sure if PD is right for you? We will go through your options together at your evaluation. There is no pressure and no single right answer.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Your home therapy team stays with you
24/7 nursing support line
Our nursing team is available around the clock for urgent questions, peritonitis concerns, or catheter issues.
Monthly clinic visits
In-person check-ins with your nephrologist and home therapy nurse to review labs and adjust your prescription.
Supply delivery
All PD supplies, including dialysate bags and exchange supplies, are delivered directly to your home on a regular schedule.
Dietitian support
Your renal diet plan is adjusted regularly. PD may allow for more dietary flexibility than in-center HD for some patients.
Social work support
Help with insurance, financial assistance, and any personal challenges that come up throughout your care.
FAQ for new patients
Most patients find PD comfortable once they have adjusted. The catheter placement procedure is done under local or general anesthesia. Exchanges themselves should not be painful. If you experience pain during an exchange, contact our team.
Proper technique during exchanges is the most important factor. Our training covers hand hygiene, catheter site care, and how to recognize early signs of peritonitis. Following your technique consistently is the best protection.
If PD is no longer working for your health or your situation, we can transition you to in-center care. This is not uncommon, and it is not a failure. We want you on the treatment that serves you best.
Yes. Patients on APD can often travel with their cycler, and CAPD requires only supplies. We help coordinate supply delivery to your travel destination. Let us know well in advance.
Medicare covers peritoneal dialysis, including supplies and training. Medicaid and most commercial plans cover PD as well. Our team verifies your coverage before you begin.
Exploring all your options?
We offer all three dialysis modalities. Your care team will help you find the right fit.
In-center hemodialysis
Come to our facility three times a week. Full clinical support from our team at every session.
Dialysis nurses and technicians
Treat at home on a flexible schedule with full training and ongoing support from our home therapy team.
Peritoneal dialysis
A gentle, continuous home option using your body's peritoneal membrane.
Curious if peritoneal dialysis could work for you?
A quick conversation with our team is the best place to start. No commitment required.