What Is Peritoneal Dialysis?

Complications Of Peritoneal Dialysis

There are some possible complications of peritoneal dialysis that may occur in patients who choose this treatment method. Just like every other type of medical treatment, adverse effects can occur in a small number of peritoneal dialysis patients. An affected individual may develop peritonitis or an infection of the peritoneum. There is also the potential for an infection to occur where the catheter is implanted into the abdomen. The risk of infection is greater when the treatments are not performed as directed. Patients who have peritoneal dialysis may experience weight gain, as a type of sugar called dextrose in the dialysis solution causes an increase in the individual's caloric intake each day. The increase in caloric intake may also result in elevated blood sugar levels, especially for diabetes patients. An individual who has peritoneal dialysis may develop a hernia due to muscle strain from holding a large amount of fluid in the abdomen for extended periods. Some individuals who have peritoneal dialysis can experience a decrease in its effectiveness after several years, requiring a transition to hemodialysis.

Keep reading to understand who peritoneal dialysis is not appropriate for next.