Peritoneal Dialysis in Novi, MI

Normally, a person’s kidneys function to remove toxins and waste from the body by filtering them out of the blood. If the kidneys are unable to perform these essential duties, then dialysis may be utilized as a way for individuals to mimic their filtering process. Many patients are familiar with hemodialysis, which involves the use of a machine that acts as an artificial kidney outside of the body, though there is another type of treatment called peritoneal dialysis that is able to filter the blood using the patient’s own peritoneum.

How Does Peritoneal Dialysis Work?

The peritoneum is the inner lining of the abdomen that separates the belly from other regions of the body. A thin, flexible catheter will need to be inserted through the patient’s peritoneum via a small incision in order for a cleaning solution called dialysate to enter the belly from outside of the body and begin filtering the blood.

Dialysate is a liquid specifically formulated to draw waste, excess salt, and water out of the blood to be drained. Once dialysate enters the abdomen, it must sit there for a period of time as determined by Dr. Kolachalam. This period is referred to as dwell time, and is needed to allow the dialysate enough time to pull toxins from the blood before they can be drained. It is common for patients to require several rounds of dialysate, which must routinely dwell and then be exchanged with fresh dialysate after being emptied through the catheter.

Types of Peritoneal Dialysis

There are two common types of peritoneal dialysis used by patients who struggle with kidney failure to some degree. The type of peritoneal dialysis recommended by Dr. Kolachalam will depend on the individual, their lifestyle, and the specifics of their case.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a manual form of filtering the blood without the use of any assistive machinery. This method relies on gravity to complete the exchanges of dialysate in any environment that is both clean and dry. Patients will need to complete CAPD treatments themselves during the day as instructed by Dr. Kolachalam. Treatment cycle frequency may be adjusted based on how efficient the daytime exchanges are, and whether or not the individual experiences problems during the long night time dwelling period.

Continuous Cycler-Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD)

This type of peritoneal dialysis is performed while the patient is asleep using a machine called a cycler to complete the exchanges automatically. Typically, the cycler will perform 3-5 total exchanges including their dwell times in approximately 9 hours. Once again, Dr. Kolachalam will determine if additional treatments are needed during the day depending on how well the night time exchanges work to remove waste from the blood.

What Are the Benefits of Peritoneal Dialysis Compared to Hemodialysis?

While hemodialysis is often considered standard among those with kidney damage, peritoneal dialysis has many noteworthy benefits that make it an ideal option for certain patients. These include:

• More flexibility: peritoneal dialysis can be performed in any area so long as it is sterile and dry in order to avoid potential complications such as infection. This allows individuals the ability to travel for leisure or work without having to worry about visiting Dr. Kolachalam’s office location in Novi each time they require treatment.
• Better for the body: All types of peritoneal dialysis are associated with improved and longer lasting functionality of the kidneys after many rounds of treatment as compared to those who opt for hemodialysis. There is also research to suggest that peritoneal dialysis puts less stress on the heart and blood vessels compared to other methods.
• Fewer lifestyle changes required: Individuals with kidney damage and disease are often quickly put on a strict dietary plan to avoid food and beverages high in potassium, sodium, and protein. While these recommendations still apply to patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, the effects are not as severe if an individual were to consume foods outside of their regular diet versus the effects in those engaged in hemodialysis treatments.
• Requiring less medication: Using the patient’s own peritoneum often creates a much better response from the body than introducing artificial machinery. While many patients undergoing hemodialysis treatments may be prescribed various medications to assist with kidney function and avoid bodily rejection of the medical equipment, individuals involved in peritoneal dialysis exchanges may be able to avoid these extra measures.

Are You Eligible for Peritoneal Dialysis Treatments?

Peritoneal dialysis is an excellent choice for many individuals needing to manage their poorly functioning kidneys. There are a variety of factors that can impact how successful these treatments may be, such as the patient’s:

• Current kidney health
• Overall health
• Lifestyle and travel requirements
• Reaction to attempted hemodialysis treatments
• Personal preference

A previous injury or surgical repair of the abdomen may make peritoneal dialysis an ill-advised solution, as these can cause complications with the catheter placement. Being diagnosed with any form of inflammatory bowel disease can also interfere with dialysis treatments along with physical inability to complete these daily exchanges.