CAPD stands for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, which is a type of dialysis used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. In CAPD, a dialysis solution is infused into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter, which is a soft, flexible tube that is inserted into the abdomen. The solution is allowed to dwell in the peritoneal cavity for a period of time, during which excess waste and fluid are removed from the blood through the peritoneal membrane.
After a dwell period, the solution is drained out of the abdomen and discarded, and fresh solution is infused for the next cycle. This process is repeated several times throughout the day, typically four to six times, and requires no special equipment or machinery, making it a convenient option for patients who want to maintain their daily activities while undergoing dialysis.
CAPD is considered a type of continuous dialysis because it is performed continuously throughout the day, as opposed to other types of dialysis, such as hemodialysis, which is performed intermittently for several hours at a time, typically three times per week.
The main advantage of CAPD is its convenience and flexibility, which allows patients to perform the procedure at home or at work without requiring frequent visits to a dialysis center. However, CAPD also has some risks, such as the potential for infection at the catheter site or in the peritoneal cavity, and the risk of metabolic complications such as high blood sugar levels.
Overall, CAPD is a type of dialysis that is used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease or kidney failure. It involves the continuous infusion and drainage of a dialysis solution into the peritoneal cavity, and is performed several times throughout the day for maximum effectiveness. While CAPD is convenient and flexible, it also carries some risks and requires careful monitoring by a healthcare provider.
