Normal kidney dialysis is often a physically and emotionally draining process as patients must go to the hospital two to three times per week, with each session taking up to five hours. This does not include the time spent in traffic jams, time spent looking for a parking space and the long distances covered to get from rural Thailand to the nearest haemodialysis centre or hospital. By the time the patient recovers from each treatment, it is already time for the next. 

This taxing cycle that takes up too much time and extra out-of-pocket spending used to be the norm – however with PD treatment, patients can have a more flexible lifestyle and have a sense of reliance. Control is given back to the patient whereby the patient as well as the patient’s family and community are able to be involved in the treatment without just relying on doctors and nurses. 

To begin preparing for peritoneal dialysis, a catheter is inserted into your peritoneum via a small and very minor operation. Placement is done 2-weeks before your training begins. Once the catheter is given time to settle in, training on how to care for the catheter and perform the treatment is provided by the hospital nurses or our professionally trained nurses to both the patient and the patient’s caregiver(s). 

A solution called dialysate is flowed into your peritoneum via the catheter to be left for several hours in order to absorb waste, toxins and extra fluids in your body. The solution is then flowed out and disposed off. This cycle is repeated several times and mimics the natural function of your kidneys to ensure a better quality of life.