Peritoneal dialysis

/pɛrɪtəˈniəl daɪˈæləsɪs/ noun

Definition

A type of dialysis that uses the patient's peritoneum (abdominal lining) as a natural filter, with dialysis fluid introduced into the abdominal cavity to remove waste products and excess fluid. It can be done at home daily.

Etymology

From Greek 'peritonaion' meaning 'stretched around' (referring to the membrane lining the abdomen) and 'dialysis' meaning 'separation.' The technique was developed in the 1920s but became practical for home use in the 1970s.

Kelly Says

Peritoneal dialysis turns your belly into a washing machine—dialysis fluid goes in, swishes around for hours absorbing toxins from your blood vessels, then drains out carrying the waste! Patients can do this at home while sleeping or watching TV, making it much more convenient than being tied to a hemodialysis machine three times a week.

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