Peritoneal dialysis, commonly referred to as PD, replicates the natural function of the kidneys. It rids the body of waste products, extra fluid, and helps balance chemicals in a slow and gentle way. PD uses the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneal membrane, to filter waste products from the blood. This peritoneum acts as a dialyzing membrane. PD solution is placed in the peritoneum. The peritoneal membrane filters waste and fluid from your blood into the solution. The solution containing the waste is drained from your peritoneum after several hours and replaced with fresh solution. This process is called an exchange.