The technique that employs a patient's own tissues to act as a filter within the abdominal cavity is known as?

The technique that utilizes a patient's own tissues within the abdominal cavity to serve as a filter is known as peritoneal dialysis. This process relies on the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, which has the unique ability to absorb waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. During peritoneal dialysis, a dialysis solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity, allowing the peritoneum to act as a natural filter. Over time, waste products diffuse into the dialysis solution, which is then drained away, effectively cleansing the blood without the need for an external machine, as seen in hemodialysis.

The significance of using the peritoneum in this way lies in its rich blood supply and large surface area, which enhances the efficiency of the dialysis process, making it a practical and patient-friendly alternative for those with renal failure. This stands in contrast to other options, like an AV fistula, which is a surgical connection between an artery and vein used for hemodialysis, and stent grafts, which are used to reinforce blood vessels. Hemodialysis itself involves an external apparatus to filter blood, unlike the self-contained and internal process of peritoneal dialysis.