Peritoneal Dialysis Centre

Overview

Clinical Services

Clinical Nephrology

Critical Care Nephrology

Glomerulonephritis

Haemodialysis

Interventional Nephrology

Peritoneal Dialysis

Kidney Transplant

Renal Support

Research

SGH-NKF Renal Research Fund

Personalised, Home-Based Kidney Care with Comprehensive Support

Since 1980, the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Programme has been at the forefront of home-based dialysis care in Singapore. With over four decades of experience and more than 500 patients currently under our care, SGH stands as one of the nation’s most established and experienced PD centres.

Our multidisciplinary team—comprising Nephrologists, PD Nurses, Dietitians, Pharmacists, and Allied health professionals—is committed to delivering holistic, patient-centred care. Every aspect of your PD journey is tailored to support your health, independence, and lifestyle.

More about Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a type of kidney replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage kidney disease. PD uses the peritoneal membrane (the lining of the abdomen) as a natural filter to remove waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform these functions adequately.

A soft tube, known as a PD catheter, is placed in your abdomen to allow a special dialysis solution to flow in and out. This treatment can be performed at home, at work, or in another clean environment, providing flexibility and independence. PD is carried out regularly, either manually during the day or automatically overnight using a machine, helping you maintain your health while supporting your daily lifestyle.

There are two main types of Peritoneal Dialysis offered at SGH. Both are effective, and the choice depends on your medical needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Our care team will work closely with you to determine the most suitable option.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

CAPD is a manual dialysis method performed 3-4 times a day, each taking about 20-30 minutes. It does not require a machine. Patient or caregiver exchanges by hand, allowing more mobility between sessions. It is simple to learn and suited for those who prefer manual exchanges and flexibility in treatment timing.

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

APD uses a machine (cycler) to perform dialysis exchanges automatically overnight whilst the patient sleeps. It is ideal for those who want more convenience and treatment done primarily during nighttime, freeing the day for work, school, or other activities.

I. Home-Based Convenience

PD allows you to receive treatment in the comfort of your home or preferred environment, minimizing the need for frequent dialysis centre visits, unlike hemodialysis which requires visits to dialysis centre at least three times a week that may located at a significant distance from your home

II. Greater Independence

With comprehensive training, patients or caregivers can perform dialysis safely and independently, enabling them to continue working, studying, or caring for their families.

III. Easier to Travel

Peritoneal dialysis is portable and does not require regular visits to a dialysis centre, offering greater flexibility for travel. In many cases, treatment supplies can be arranged in advance and delivered to your destination, allowing you to enjoy holidays, business trips, or family visits without disrupting your care. Availability of delivery may vary depending on location.

IV. Better Cardiovascular Stability

PD provides gentle and continuous removal of waste and excess fluid, reducing the rapid shifts in blood pressure or electrolyte levels that may occur with hemodialysis. It is often the preferred modality of dialysis for patients with underlying heart conditions.

V. Preservation of Residual Kidney Function

Research has shown that PD generally preserves remaining kidney function better than hemodialysis helping to maintain blood pressure control, fluid balance, and waste removal.

VI. Fewer Dietary and Fluid Restrictions

With daily PD , there is less buildup of waste and fluid between sessions. This often allows for a more flexible diet and liberal fluid intake, improving nutritional status and quality of life.

VII. Needleless procedure

PD uses a peritoneal catheter, providing a more comfortable alternative to hemodialysis, which requires repeated needle punctures through vascular access.

VIII. Lower risk of blood-borne infections

PD avoids direct vascular access, reducing the risk of bloodstream infections compared with hemodialysis.

IX. Improved quality of life

Greater autonomy, independence, and ability to maintain normal daily activities.

Peritoneal Dialysis at SGH

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) offers one of the most comprehensive and patient-centred peritoneal dialysis programs in the region, meeting international best practices in PD care. Our multidisciplinary PD team comprises nephrologists, PD nurses, Dietitians, Pharmacists, Renal coordinators and Medical Social Workers who collaborate closely to deliver safe, holistic, and responsive care.

Peritoneal Dialysis Centre (Outpatient)

The Peritoneal Dialysis Centre at SGH provides a supportive and well-equipped environment for both new and existing patients. Conveniently located within the hospital, the centre gives you easy access to diagnostic and support services, ensuring seamless, well-coordinated care throughout your dialysis journey.

I. 24-Hour Inpatient PD Care

SGH provides round-the-clock inpatient support for acute or complex PD cases. Whether patients are admitted for PD-related complications or unrelated medical or surgical issues, our hospital team ensures continuity of PD therapy under expert care.

II. 24/7 PD Support Hotline

Our dedicated PD hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained PD nurses provide immediate assistance for troubleshooting urgent technical issues offering patients peace of mind at all times.

III. Daily Walk-in Outpatient PD Clinic

SGH operates a daily walk-in clinic exclusively for peritoneal dialysis patients with urgent or non-scheduled PD-related needs. Whether it is catheter site issues, fluid imbalance, or concerns with dialysis exchanges, patients can receive same-day evaluation and treatment.

IV. Community PD Home Visit Programme

Our community outreach program offers home-based support by trained community PD nurses for patients requiring on-site assessment, training reinforcement, or wound care, right from the start of their PD journey, to ensure a smooth-transition to home-based care. This is especially helpful for patients new to PD or elderly, frail, and/or post-hospital discharge.

V. International Standard PD Training Programme

Our structured PD training curriculum is tailored to each patient's needs, with a strong emphasis on safety, confidence, and independence. Conducted by experienced PD nurses, training is reinforced with patient education materials, personalized hands-on sessions, and simulation practice. You'll learn everything you need—from performing dialysis confidently at home to caring for your catheter site and understanding how nutrition supports your kidney health. Our dietitians work closely with you to ensure your dietary needs are met. SGH's program meets global benchmarks and supports caregivers as well as patients.

VI. Urgent Start Peritoneal Dialysis

If you need to begin dialysis early, we offer outpatient intermittent PD within two weeks of catheter insertion, allowing you to start treatment without delay.

Treatment plans are tailored to suit your lifestyle and medical needs. We also support your journey through ongoing patient education, including health talks, forums, and a dedicated online resource hub, so you stay informed and empowered every step of the way.