Peritoneal dialysis immediately post transplantation.

Many peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients undergo successful renal transplantation. The outcome is similar to that for transplanted hemodialysis (HD) patients. For delayed graft function, dialysis is necessary in the immediate post-transplant period. PD can be undertaken, with a small risk of peritonitis and other PD-related complications. Delayed graft function is less prevalent in patients who were on PD before transplantation than in those who were on HD. The dialysis modality may have an impact on graft survival. The graft thrombosis rate is unaffected by the prior mode of dialysis. Catheter-related problems are infrequent, but there must be a low threshold for catheter removal for any sign of non response to therapy for peritonitis or for exit-site and tunnel infections. PD can be undertaken successfully in the immediate post-transplant period.