The Association of Intra-abdominal Adhesions with Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter-Related Complications​

What is it about?

This study examined whether individuals with abdominal scarring, known as adhesions, which often occur after surgery, have a higher risk of complications following peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion. Data were collected from 758 individuals from eight centers in Canada and the United States. Individuals with prior abdominal surgery, women, and heavier patients were more likely to have adhesions. Adhesions were associated with restricted flow of peritoneal fluid through the catheter or abdominal pain, which required patients to undergo another invasive procedure or stop PD. However, the majority of patients, with or without adhesions, did not experience complications, and most complications did not terminate PD therapy. This study highlights the importance of assessing patients for the risk of adhesions before inserting a PD catheter and carefully monitoring patients with adhesions following surgery.

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