What is the primary method of access for peritoneal dialysis (PD)?

The primary method of access for peritoneal dialysis (PD) is through catheter insertion. This involves placing a special type of catheter into the peritoneal cavity, enabling the dialysis fluid to enter and exit the abdomen. This process allows for the exchange of waste products and excess fluids from the blood across the peritoneal membrane, which acts as a natural filter.

Catheter insertion is crucial because it creates a direct pathway into the peritoneal cavity, facilitating the essential function of PD. The catheter must be placed in a way that ensures it remains secure and free from infection, as maintaining a sterile environment is vital in dialysis procedures. Other methods of access, such as vein puncture, fistula creation, or shunt placement, are not appropriate for PD and are instead used for hemodialysis, which relies on access to the vascular system. Hence, the option involving catheter insertion is definitively aligned with the requirements and methodology of peritoneal dialysis.