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.
- Core info on PD includes a description of what PD is and how it works.
- ESRD provides information on the factors influencing modality choice, for patients and for providers.
- This section provides links for those who require more specialist information - sections listed below
- But there may be fuller and more up to date info and links on Openmed's Renal page, make sure you look at that.
Headings to think about
- 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
| Physio/OT << | (no next) |

