Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

What is Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)?

A chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) diagnosis might be frightening. You might think you'll have to travel to a dialysis clinic multiple times a week for extended sessions, but that's not always the case. Dialysis can be done while traveling, working, and going about your daily life, especially with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

How does Peritoneal Dialysis work?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a home dialysis technique. There are two forms of PD: cytoplasmic peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). Both utilize the blood vessels in the interior of the abdomen, or peritoneum, to filter blood naturally using a solution known as dialysate. Dialysate is infused into the stomach via a peritoneal catheter for a predetermined period. While the key is in contact with your circulation, it removes waste and excess fluid. The answer will be drained through the PD catheter when the dwell time has expired. The completion of this procedure is known as an exchange.

This dialysis method is considered the most similar to natural kidney function. It is kind to the heart and body. PD is designed to be performed daily, typically involving 3 to 5 daily exchanges, which may increase your energy levels.

How Is Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Different?

The primary distinction between CAPD and APD is whether or not you use a cycler to perform your exchanges. The CAPD does not utilize a machine, whereas the APD employs a cycler. Both treatments are intended to last 24 hours.

For each CAPD exchange, you will attach a dialysate bag to your peritoneal catheter and raise it to shoulder level using an IV pole, allowing gravity to draw the fluid into your abdomen. This is referred to as "filling." You will disconnect from the IV catheter after administering the dialysate to your stomach. Until it is time to discharge the dialysate, you are free to move and enjoy your day. The actual loading and draining of fluid take approximately 30 minutes. This treatment is designed so that there is always dialysate in your abdomen, and your primary time commitment is how frequently you conduct exchanges (typically 3 to 5 times per day) to swap out dirty dialysate for clean dialysate.

Advantages of CAPD

The primary advantage of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is that you are not connected to a machine throughout the day. This makes traveling and going about your daily activities more straightforward. This also means there is no need to store a large cycling machine, making CAPD ideal for those with limited storage space. In addition, since APD and CAPD are performed through a peritoneal catheter, you will not require injections to dialyze.

Considerations Before Beginning of the Procedures

All dialysis treatments require an access site. That means a peritoneal catheter for PD. This straw-sized, flexible, porous tube is surgically inserted, typically into the abdomen. You must maintain a clean catheter access site and inspect it frequently to prevent infections.

Even though CAPD does not require a large cycling machine, you will still need to keep dialysate, an IV pole, masks, antibacterial hand soap, hand sanitizer, and a heating device to warm the dialysate on hand.

Helping You Thrive

If you want to investigate continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis as a dialysis treatment option, discuss your options with our kidney doctor and care team at Apex Hospitals. Our care team is always available to promote your health and well-being