Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Left in Place after Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

No clear consensus has been reached regarding the optimal time to remove the peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) after kidney transplantation (KT). This retrospective observational study, conducted in a single peritoneal dialysis (PD) unit including all PD patients who received a KT between 1995 - 2015, was undertaken to evaluate the clinical outcomes and potential complications associated with a PDC left in place after KT. Of the 132 PD patients who received a KT, 20 were excluded from the study. Of the remaining, 112 (85%) patients with functioning KT were discharged with their PDC left in place and had it removed in a mean interval of 5 ± 3 months after KT, after achieving optimal graft function. During this follow-up period, 7 patients (6%) developed exit-site infection and there were 2 cases (2%) of peritonitis; all of them were successfully treated. Delayed PDC removal after KT is associated with low complication rates, although regular examination is needed so that mild infections can be detected early and therapy promptly instituted.