Preop Labs - make sure recent labs are completed. Emphasis will be on potassium. Treat if needed. You'll want to be at least treating a low potassium when the patient arrives in the OR. Since these are end-stage Renal patients, anticipate creatinine and BUN to be elevated. Comorbidities - These patients will also have several co-morbidities (DM, HTN, Obesity, CHF, COPD). IV placement - Only one 20g IV is usually needed. Anticipate a hard stick. Fluids - Remember to limit fluids (dialysis patient). Most use NS as carrier fluids. Post-procedure test - Some surgeons like to test the catheter after placement. Be prepared for reverse trendelenburg as fluid is instilled. Duration - Typically this is a very short procedure, if surgeon is experienced (usually about as long as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy).
A Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Catheter is placed for dialysis that uses the lining of the abdomen, or belly, to filter your blood inside your body. This catheter permits dialysis fluid to be instilled into, and then removed from the abdomen. This is a preferred type of dialysis if a person cannot tolerate hemodialysis as it does not affect blood pressure as much and can be done at home.
