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