What is one of the primary purposes of peritoneal dialysis?

One of the primary purposes of peritoneal dialysis is to remove toxins and metabolic wastes from the body. In individuals with kidney failure, the kidneys are unable to efficiently filter out waste products and excess fluids. Peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter. During the procedure, a dialysate solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity, where it interacts with the blood vessels in the peritoneal membrane. This allows for the diffusion of waste products, toxins, and excess electrolytes from the blood into the dialysate, which is then drained from the body. This process effectively removes harmful substances that would otherwise accumulate in the bloodstream due to impaired kidney function.

The focus is not on reestablishing normal kidney function; rather, it's a supportive treatment used when kidneys cannot function adequately. Similarly, while the procedure involves the peritoneal membrane, its primary purpose is not to clean the membrane itself or to provide fluids for cellular spaces, as those are secondary effects rather than the main objective of peritoneal dialysis.