Advantages and disadvantages

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