Peritoneal Dialysis: What It Is and What to Expect

Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor provides Peritoneal Dialysis?

A nephrologist, a doctor who treats kidney disease, oversees peritoneal dialysis. A surgeon places the catheter, a soft tube, in your belly. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What it is

Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure. It uses the lining of your belly. Doctors call this lining the peritoneum. Dialysis solution flows from a bag through the catheter into your belly. While the solution is inside your belly, it absorbs wastes and extra fluid from your body. Filling and draining your belly is called an exchange. Dialysis can help you feel better and live longer, but it is not a cure for kidney failure.

Why a doctor might recommend it

It removes harmful substances from the blood when the kidneys cannot. Peritoneal dialysis may be a good option if you want more independence and are able to learn to treat yourself.

How to prepare

Common preparation steps include the following.

  • Have surgery to place a catheter into your belly before your first treatment.
  • You may need to stay overnight in the hospital, but most people can go home after the procedure.
  • Train with a dialysis nurse for 1 to 2 weeks to learn how to do exchanges and avoid infections.

What happens during it

In an exchange, you first drain the used solution from your belly into a drain bag. Then you refill your belly with fresh solution from a hanging bag. The time the solution stays in your belly is called the dwell time.

Recovery

You can use the catheter for dialysis as soon as it is in place. It tends to work better when you have 10 to 20 days to heal before starting a full schedule of exchanges. Clean the skin where your catheter enters your body every day, as your health care team tells you. It is important not to skip exchanges. Skipping them can be dangerous to your health. Contact your provider right away if you notice any of the following.

  • Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, soreness, pain, warmth, or pus around the catheter
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unusual color or cloudiness in used dialysis solution
  • Not being able to pass gas or have a bowel movement

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.

Risks and side effects

Infection is one of the most serious problems with peritoneal dialysis. You can get an infection of the skin around your catheter exit site. You can also develop peritonitis, an infection in the fluid in your belly. Health care professionals treat peritonitis with antibiotics. A hernia is an area of weakness in your abdominal muscle. Peritoneal dialysis increases your risk for a hernia. If you have a swelling or new lump in your groin or belly, talk with your health care professional. The longer the solution stays in your belly, the more dextrose your body absorbs. This can cause weight gain over time. Dextrose is a sugar in the solution.

Who performs it

After training, most people can do peritoneal dialysis on their own.

Common questions

How will I feel while the dialysis solution is in my belly?

You may feel the same as usual, or you may feel full or bloated. You should not feel any pain.

Can I do peritoneal dialysis at home?

Yes, you can do peritoneal dialysis in any clean, private place, including at home, at work, or when traveling.

What is the difference between CAPD and automated peritoneal dialysis?

CAPD does not use a machine, and you do the exchanges by hand during the day. With CAPD, you keep the solution in your belly for 4 to 6 hours or more. Automated peritoneal dialysis uses a machine that does the exchanges while you sleep.

Do I need to change what I eat on peritoneal dialysis?

Yes, you may need to limit sodium, phosphorus, and calories. You may also need to add protein, because this treatment removes protein. Talk with your dialysis center's dietitian to find a meal plan that works for you.

How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Dialysis - peritoneal
  2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Peritoneal Dialysis

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.