Peritoneal Dialysis Explained: 10 Things Need to Know About This Kidney Treatment

8. Preserving Residual Kidney Function

An often-touted, but sometimes overlooked, benefit of peritoneal dialysis is its potential to better preserve residual kidney function (RKF) compared to hemodialysis. RKF refers to any remaining function your kidneys still have, even if minimal. Studies suggest that the more continuous and gentle nature of PD puts less stress on the remaining kidney tissue, potentially extending how long a patient retains some natural kidney function. Preserving even a small amount of RKF can significantly improve a patient's quality of life by reducing the burden of dialysis, aiding in fluid balance, and potentially leading to better health outcomes overall.