What is CAPD?

• A technique of replacing  your kidney role, in case kidneys have failed, by using the membrane covering your internal organs (the peritoneum).

The peritoneum :-

• a natural filter
• with an abundant supply of small blood vessels,lines an area in your body called the peritoneal (or abdominal) cavity.

How is CAPD performed ? 

• The procedure of adding fresh liquid and draining out utilized liquid is called a dialysis ‘session’ or ‘exchange’. 
• CAPD  the exchanges have been performed by  your  hand. 
• An exchange will take nearly 40 minutes. The solution will remain in your abdomen for a minimum  4 to 6 hours.
• You may require to shift the solution 4 or more times during the day. 
• You can sleep or rest with the solution in the abdomen through the night without having to wake up for a session.

How long does it take ?

It is typically conducted four times a day, every day, and each and every  session takes approx. 40 minutes.

How do I get a catheter?

• A specialist will locate the catheter in your abdomen, almost below your belly button.
• The procedure will be performed under local or general anesthetic and you may be expected to stay in hospital for 24-48 hours afterwards.
• Roughly a week to ten days later, a nurse will withdraw  your stitches and you should be prepared to begin CAPD soon afterwards.

Will I need a special diet and medications?

Your renal dietitian will help you out  to retain a healthy, balanced diet. 

You may be required to limit particular foods (for instance those including potassium, phosphates and high levels of salt) but you should just modify  your diet if your kidney dietitian has advised you to do so.

• You may be required to limit particular foods (for instance those including potassium, phosphates and high levels of salt) 
• you should just modify  your diet if your kidney dietitian has instructed you to do so.

Your kidney specialist may specify:

• Renal vitamins and iron tablets
• Injections of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) to assist your body make red blood cells (RBC’s)
• Tablets are called phosphate binders to prevent your body taking in too much phosphate from food and drink.
• Tablets to regulate blood pressure.

What are the benefits of having my dialysis at home?

• Independence.
• You don’t expect to travel to hospital or a dialysis unit for your session – you can perform it, in the comfort of your own home, at work and while on holiday as well.

Are there any potential problems?

The most common possible complication of CAPD :-

• Infection i.e. (peritonitis).
  • Dialysis nurses will operate closely  to assist you prevent infection by indicating  how to care for the exit site and keep the catheter free from bacteria.
  •  If troubles do happen, reach the straightaway kidney unit. 

 The sooner an infection is dealt with, the less apt it is to impact your CAPD.

Other feasible issues could include:-

• blockages in the catheter
• hernias  

Medical professionals will  help you if these do arise.

How will CAPD make me feel?

• Not painful but some people find it uneasy to have fluid in their abdomen.
• Anxious, angry and upset about the uprising to your personal, home, work and family life as you encounter the odds of multiple daily CAPD sessions. 

This is all perfectly common so speak to your specialist  about any questions that may be affecting you physically and psychologically. 

• They may also be able to put you in contact with a counselor who can support you with your mental wellbeing.