CAPD-Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

What is CAPD?

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is done to remove wastes, chemicals, and extra fluid from your body. During CAPD, a liquid called dialysate is put into your abdomen through a catheter (thin tube). The dialysate pulls wastes, chemicals, and extra fluid from your blood through the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin lining on the inside of your abdomen. The peritoneum works like a filter as the wastes are pulled through it. The process of filling and emptying your abdomen with dialysate is called an exchange. Exchanges may be done 3 to 5 times during the day, and once during the night.

Why do we need CAPD?

We may need CAPD if our kidneys are not working well. Our kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the blood and leave your body through your urine. When your kidneys are damaged, they cannot remove waste properly. This can cause serious problems in our bodies. We may need CAPD if you have acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) kidney failure. During acute kidney failure, we may only need CAPD until our kidneys get better. If you have chronic kidney failure, you will need to have dialysis exchanges for the rest of your life.