How you prepare

You'll need an operation to insert the catheter that carries the dialysate in and out of your abdomen. The insertion might be done under local or general anesthesia. The tube is usually inserted near your bellybutton.

After the tube is inserted, your doctor will probably recommend waiting up to a month before starting peritoneal dialysis treatments to give the catheter site time to heal.

You'll also receive training on how to use the peritoneal dialysis equipment.