After the dialysate filters for 4 to 6 hours, the patient exchanges it for fresh fluid. The abdominal catheter is connected to the machine at bedtime. Over an 8 to 12 hour night, the machine exchanges fluid four to eight times. About 10 liters are exchanged during the night. Upon waking, the patient s fluid is exchanged and used throughout the day.
Some patients require a mid-day exchange.
Peritoneal dialysis must be performed everyday and fluid must be in the abdomen at all times to clean the blood adequately. Some patients develop an infection an average of every 12 to 18 months and are treated with antibiotics. If the infection persists, the catheter must be removed and the patient must switch to hemodialysis. An inadequate peritoneum membrane may be unable to sufficiently clean the blood. This condition usually warrants hemodialysis.