The featured speaker at the launch of the Robert A. Mathavious Memorial Trust at Prime Restaurant on September 11, 2026, Lynn Hodge-Walters, has reintroduced calls for the implementation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a treatment option for kidney disease in the Virgin Islands (VI). Phot: VINO

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one of the two types of dialysis (removal of waste and excess water from the blood) that is used to treat people with kidney failure. In PD, the process of dialysis takes place inside the body. Photo: tynesidekpa.org.uk

The late Dr Robert A. Mathavious was reportedly on peritoneal dialysis for about 7 to 8 years. Photo: FSC/File

Hodge-Walters, who currently serves as a Senior Manager of Clinical Education with Fresenius Kidney Care in San Antonio, Texas, explained that there are several treatment options for kidney failure and among them are dialysis, which include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and a kidney transplant. A patient receiving hemodialysis receives treatment at an outpatient dialysis unit or dialysis clinic three times weekly, where they are hooked up to a machine that cleans the toxins and removes extra fluid from their blood.

“Those sessions take, on average, three and a half to four hours, three times a week.”

Meanwhile, for peritoneal dialysis, a short tube is surgically inserted in the belly, and every night the patient hooks themselves up to the machine, which works throughout the night while the patient is asleep. 

“When they wake up in the morning, the treatment is done, they disconnect themselves, and they’re off for the day.”

Hemodialysis, she explained, requires surgeries, longer recovery periods and disruptions to one’s personal and professional life. 

Consider PD where feasible

Hodge-Walters said Dr Mathavious was on peritoneal dialysis for some 7 to 8 years. 

“PD is a much gentler treatment compared to hemodialysis…as such there is little to no recovery period after the treatment, making it easier for him to fit into his very busy schedule. It could be done at his home, while he slept, on his own time. He wouldn’t have to be at the mercy of the dialysis unit’s schedule,” she opined about his choice to use PD. 

Hodge-Walters said this dialysis treatment option is not currently available in the VI because in the mid-1990s, when discussions were happening around building a dialysis unit, it was rejected as a treatment option. 

“We must consider PD where feasible as a more beneficial, gentler, cost-effective, lifestyle and family friendly initial treatment option for kidney disease,” Hodge-Walters implored.

She said that after 30 years, she believes there need to be conversations about how PD can be made available to people who may want to consider it as an initial treatment option. 

The Robert A. Mathavious Memorial Trust was established to support improving the prevention, treatment, and care of kidney disease in the VI.