This page will discuss the different types of home-based therapies that we can offer.
This includes:
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Peritoneal Dialysis - Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) & Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)
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Home Haemodialysis (HHD)
Why choose to do dialysis at home?
Potential Benefits of Home Therapies:
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Greater control over your treatment schedule
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Increased independence and flexibility
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May allow you to continue working or studying as normal
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More flexibility with diet and fluid intake
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May reduce the number of medications needed
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Can lead to an improved quality of life
Dialyse to live, not live to dialyse...
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter (PD tube)
A soft plastic tube will be inserted into your abdomen to allow peritoneal dialysis.
This is usually done under a local anaesthetic at the Norfolk and Norwich Kidney Centre, and you can go home the same day.
Alternatively, the tube can be inserted surgically under a general anaesthetic at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, which typically requires an overnight hospital stay.
Is peritoneal dialysis right for me?
You might be a good candidate if:
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You haven’t had any abdominal surgery that could affect tube insertion
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You have enough space at home to store the dialysis fluids
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You feel confident or have support to do the treatment yourself
If you’re unsure, please talk to your kidney doctor or renal nurse—they’re here to help.
How does Peritoneal Dialysis Work?
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
Dialysis fluid is introduced into your abdomen through a soft plastic tube called a catheter or PD tube.
The fluid stays in your abdomen for 4 to 6 hours — this is called the dwell time. During this period, the fluid absorbs waste products and extra fluid from your body.
After the dwell time, the fluid, now containing waste and excess water, is drained out. Immediately after draining, a fresh 2-litre bag of dialysis fluid is put in. This process is called an exchange.
Each exchange takes about 30 minutes. You can do this while watching TV, reading, or even sitting in your car (but not while driving).
Typically, you will perform four exchanges a day — for example, in the morning, at lunchtime, after dinner, and in the evening.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) is different from CAPD because a machine does the work for you. It automatically fills and drains the dialysis fluid, usually while you sleep overnight.
You will still need a PD catheter for this treatment. Before switching to APD, you’ll need to show that you can perform manual CAPD successfully for a period of time.
APD may not be suitable for everyone. Please talk to your renal nurse to find out if this option is right for you.
Below is a short video about whether peritoneal dialysis might be right for you.
What are the requirements for Home Haemodialysis?
Before starting home haemodialysis, it is important to understand the basics of haemodialysis. Please click the button below to visit our Haemodialysis page for more information.
Requirements for Home Haemodialysis
To carry out dialysis safely at home, you will need:
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A dedicated, clean area (ideally a spare room) to dialyse in
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A reliable electrical outlet
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Space to store dialysis equipment
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An easily accessible water source and plumbing system
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A carer to assist during dialysis
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The ability to set up the machine, operate it, and insert needles (cannulation)
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Property approval if you do not own your home, as plumbing or other alterations may be required
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All equipment provided for free and delivered to your home
All training is provided by our Renal Home Therapy Team (details below)
Initial training (2-3 weeks) will take place at the Norfolk and Norwich Kidney Centre
Below is a short video about whether home haemodialysis might be right for you.
I choose peritoneal dialysis/home haemodialysis - what happens next?
If You Choose Peritoneal Dialysis
You will be referred to the Renal Home Therapies Team. An appointment will be arranged for you to be assessed in clinic by Dr Todd.
If You Choose Home Haemodialysis
You will be referred to our dialysis vascular nurses. They will contact you to arrange an appointment to have your arm scanned in preparation for a fistula (a surgically created blood vessel for dialysis).
Important: You must be established on haemodialysis at the Norfolk and Norwich Kidney Centre for at least 6 months before transferring to home haemodialysis.
