Peritoneal Dialysis - GCSE Biology Definition

Peritoneal dialysis is a medical treatment used to remove waste products and excess water from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. A special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity, where the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, acts as a natural filter. Waste substances and extra fluid from the blood pass into the dialysis fluid. After a few hours, the fluid, now containing the waste, is drained out through a tube. Peritoneal dialysis allows people with kidney failure to manage their condition at home, often without needing to visit a hospital as frequently as with other types of dialysis.