Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

In peritoneal dialysis (PD), the peritoneum serves as a biological dialyzing membrane. The endothelium of the vast capillary network perfusing the peritoneum functions as a semipermeable membrane and allows bidirectional solute and water transfer between the intravascular space and dialysate fluid dwelling in the peritoneal cavity. PD is a renal replacement strategy for patients presenting with end-stage renal disease. It can also be offered for ultrafiltration in patients with diuretic-resistant fluid overload even in those without advanced renal failure. PD can also be used for patients with acute kidney injury, although in the developed world this occurs rarely compared to the use of extracorporeal therapies. This review contains 9 videos,  8 figures, 4 tables, and 73 references.  Keywords: peritoneal dialysis, peritoneal cavity, catheter, dialysis fluid, ultrafiltration, tunnel infection, osmotic pressure, renal failure