Peritoneal dialysis in patients with abdominal vascular prostheses

Patients with intra-abdominal vascular catastrophes may develop acute and/or chronic renal failure requiring dialysis. To patients with in-situ vascular prostheses the use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) may offer considerable advantages including better hemodynamic control and avoidance of anti-coagulation in a critically ill patient. Institution of PD in such patients, however, often gives rise to concerns relating to peritonitis and subsequent infection of the prosthesis, fluid leaks, and abdominal wound dehiscence. A review of available literature suggests that PD has been utilized in both acute and chronic renal failure following intra-abdominal vascular procedures. PD appears to be an efficient mode of dialysis with a surprisingly small number of complications in these patients.