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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Surgical Techniques for Catheter Placement and 5/6 Nephrectomy in Murine Models of Peritoneal Dialysis
Published on: July 19, 2018
A large pleural effusion in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis
Karen Tapawan1, Elaine Chen, Natalie Selk
1Department of Medicine Surgery Radiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA. Karen_Tapawan@rush.edu
Seminars in Dialysis
|April 13, 2011
Summary
Hydrothorax, a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), can often be resolved by temporarily stopping PD. Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) offers a minimally invasive surgical solution for persistent cases, enabling patients to resume PD successfully.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hydrothorax is a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD).
- Potential causes include diaphragmatic defects, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and lymphatic dysfunction.
- Differentiating hydrothorax from other pleural effusions requires pleural fluid analysis and imaging.
Observation:
- A case of hydrothorax occurred in a patient recently initiated on PD.
- Pleuro-peritoneal communication was confirmed via thoracentesis and radionuclide scanning.
- The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) with talc pleurodesis.
Findings:
- Post-procedure scintigraphy showed no residual communication.
- The patient successfully resumed PD without further complications.
- VATS pleurodesis is an effective minimally invasive treatment for PD-associated hydrothorax.
Implications:
- This case highlights VATS as a viable treatment option for PD-related hydrothorax.
- Successful intervention allows for the continuation of PD, avoiding reliance on hemodialysis.
- Further research into preventative strategies and optimal management of PD complications is warranted.
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