To carry out Peritoneal Dialysis surgical insertion is required of a flexible semipermanent
catheter through a subcutaneous tunnel below the umbilicus, with the tip in the pelvis.
This is usually done under general anaesthetic. A 2 week healing period is left before
use of the catheter for ambulatory dialysis, although if dialysis treatment is necessary,
intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis can be performed with the patient in bed, often for 24 hour
periods twice a week. This is followed by a short training period following which patients
are discharged to the community. Follow-up frequency depends a great deal on patient’s
confidence and general condition, but stable patients need only attend for clinical review
ever 3-4 months. They are followed up more closely by a named renal community
dialysis nurse.