advantages and disadvantages
Last reviewed 01/2018
Advantages:
- rapidly and easily learnt
- less intrusive:
- can be performed at home
- timing of exchanges can be set when most convenient - meal times, before bedtime
- patient able to travel without stopping treatment
- sink and storage space are only special requirements
- lower capital costs than haemodialysis
- continuous removal of fluid with better haemodynamic stability
Disadvantages:
- high dropout rate - 50% discontinue after 3 years due to:
- infective, metabolic and mechanical complications, particularly, peritonitis and weight gain
- psychological distress of indwelling catheter
- fatigue from continuous use of treatment