Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is a term used to describe a permanent loss
of kidney function or kidney injury. Most people don’t know they have CKD
because they feel fine. Some symptoms of the early stages of CKD include high
blood pressure, swelling of the hands, legs or feet and blood in the urine.
Early signs of CKD may not be detected until blood work is drawn by their family
doctor. A urine test may also be done to determine if the kidneys are
functioning properly.
Nausea, vomiting, excessive production of gas, swelling, and other symptoms
all may warn people with CKD to pay attention to abdominal distention, which is
due to fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance. Normally, the kidney can
remove excess water from the body and keep electrolyte balance. However, it
indicates part or nearly all of kidney function has lost when Chronic Kidney
Disease is diagnosed out. As a result, abdominal distention happens
spontaneously .
Like hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis removes waste products and excess
fluid from the body. It does it by using the lining of the abdomen, the
peritoneal membrane. It is
performed daily, in the comfort of the patient’s home. And like hemodialysis,
an access needs to be placed well in advance of needing to start dialysis. This
access is called a Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) catheter, sometimes known as a
Tenckhoff catheter. Our Vascular Access Nurse will work intimately with the
patient in deciding the type of access, scheduling the surgery appointment and
teaching them how to take care of it.
Peritoneal dialysis solution, a special solution containing minerals and
sugars, is drained into the abdomen through the PD catheter. It is clamped and
allowed to dwell in the abdomen for a short period of time, and then the clamp
is opened and allowed to drain out of the abdomen. This is called an “exchange”.
Several exchanges are required during the course of the day. The patient may
choose if he/she would prefer exchanges.
