This page is from EdRep, Edinburgh Renal Education Pathways.  It is intended to provide links to deeper information on peritoneal dialysis for nurses and others who care for patients on PD.  If you are new to Renal, check out our Core pathway first.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) came into general use very shortly after haemodialysis, and for many years probably treated just as many patients with acute renal failure, but has received far less attention in historical accounts than haemodialysis has.  The development of soft subcutaneously tunnelled 'Tenckhoff' catheters (please note the spelling!) enabled its use for long term dialysis.  In Western countries its use in acute renal failure is now rare, though worldwide it is probably still very commonly used.  Statistics for PD in acute renal failure are hard to collect in many parts of the world as much may be delivered outwith specialist units.  

 

PD techniques
Complications
Catheter insertion
PD adequacy
Patient selection and modality choice
Teaching the technique
Continuing care (including exit site care)
Auditing and preventing peritonitis
Finance and funding for PD
 
 
 

Further information

History of peritoneal dialysis timeline - from EdREN's history pages
PD Academy (Baxter Healthcare) - courses in PD run by Baxter Healthcare.  Fresenius have run courses in APD. 

Physio/OT << >> Prim care