Peritoneal dialysis (PD) lets you dialyze at home or work — a flexible, gentler modality many people prefer. 6 Medicare-certified centers in this city offer PD.
Centers Offering Peritoneal Dialysis in San Francisco
PD uses the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter. You run exchanges of dialysis fluid through a catheter — CAPD (manual, 4-5 exchanges daily) or APD (a machine while you sleep).
It suits people who value independence, want to keep working, or travel — you take the supplies with you. It also preserves residual kidney function better than in-center HD.
The trade-offs: a permanent abdominal catheter, daily commitment to technique, peritonitis risk (preventable with hygiene), and the need for home storage space.