Evaluation of dressing protocols that reduce peritoneal dialysis catheter exit site infections

Exit site infections (ESIs) remain a major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study was designed to evaluate various catheter care techniques that would decrease ESIs during the 3 months following catheter implantation. Factors that affect wound healing were studied by evaluating preoperative and postoperative variables, skin cleansing agents, and three types of dressings. A 40% reduction in ESIs occurred following implementation of a new protocol that was developed from the knowledge acquired after studying the catheter care protocols.