Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, or APD, is a type of kidney dialysis that is usually done at home, often while a patient is sleeping. A special machine automatically cycles a washing fluid through the patient's abdomen 3 to 5 times a night, removing excess fluids and any waste material. Watch this program to learn more about APD.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, or CAPD, is a type of kidney dialysis that is done continuously throughout the day. Usually 4 to 5 times each day, the patient fills their abdomen with a special a washing fluid. While the fluid sits in the abdomen it removes excess fluids and any waste material from the blood and is drained from the abdomen. Watch this program to learn more about CAPD.
A Foley catheter is a flexible plastic or rubber tube that is placed through the urethra (opening where urine comes out) and into the bladder. This helps drain urine from the bladder. There is a small balloon on the end of the tube that is inflated after insertion. This keeps the catheter from sliding out of the bladder.
Your Care at Home: Caring for Your Urinary Catheter
If you are leaving the hospital with a urinary catheter in place, you'll need to learn how to take care of it. This program offers easy instructions on cleaning and caring for your urinary catheter.
