peritoneal dialysis

medical procedure

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Peritoneal dialysis is a medical procedure used to substitute for kidney function when the kidneys are unable to adequately filter the blood. In this process, the patient's own abdominal cavity acts as a container for a dialysis fluid. This fluid is introduced into the cavity, allowed to equilibrate with the body's waste products, and then removed, carrying urea and other wastes with it.1

This technique is effective for short-term treatment of acute kidney failure, particularly in infants, and can also be used for individuals with chronic kidney failure. Advances in technology have enabled many patients to perform peritoneal dialysis independently for certain periods.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

renal system disease
Dialysis
In peritoneal dialysis, the patient’s own abdominal cavity is used as the container of fluid; the fluid is run in, allowed to reach equilibrium, and removed, taking with it urea and other wastes. The process has proved suitable for the short-term treatment of acute renal failure,…
Read More
In peritoneal dialysis, the patient’s own abdominal cavity is used as the container of fluid; the fluid is run in, allowed to reach equilibrium, and removed, taking with it urea and other wastes. The process has proved suitable for the short-term treatment of acute renal failure,…
Read More