Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses a natural filter, a membrane inside your body called the peritoneal membrane. Unlike hemodialysis, the patient does not need to travel to a dialysis center. Instead, patients are trained to do dialysis at home, on their own schedule.(Kidneydirections.com)

In PD, a soft tube called a catheter is used to fill your abdomen with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution. The walls of your abdominal cavity are lined with a membrane called the peritoneum, which allows waste products and extra fluid to pass from your blood into the dialysis solution. The solution contains a sugar called dextrose that will pull wastes and extra fluid into the abdominal cavity. These wastes and fluid then leave your body when the dialysis solution is drained. The used solution, containing wastes and extra fluid, is then thrown away. The process of draining and filling is called an exchange and takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The period the dialysis solution is in your abdomen is called the dwell time. A typical schedule calls for four exchanges a day, each with a dwell time of 4 to 6 hours. Different types of PD have different schedules of daily exchanges.(niddk.nih.gov)

Types of Peritoneal Dialysis

The type of PD you choose will depend on the schedule of exchanges you would like to follow, as well as other factors. You may start with one type of PD and switch to another, or you may find that a combination of automated and nonautomated exchanges suits you best. Work with your health care team to find the best schedule and techniques to meet your lifestyle and health needs.(niddk.nih.gov)

CAPD: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

APD: Automated Peritoneal Dialysis