Unplanned start on assisted peritoneal dialysis.

The present paper describes a program for an unplanned start on assisted automated peritoneal dialysis for late referred patients with chronic kidney disease stage V and urgent need for initiation of dialysis. Using a standard prescription for 12 h overnight APD right after PD catheter placement, analysis of our data showed that unplanned start on APD has no detrimental effects on patients, combined patient and technique, peritonitis-free survivals or the risk of infectious complications, while the risk of mechanical complications and the need of replacement of displaced or malfunctioning PD catheters may be increased. Unplanned start on APD right after PD catheter insertion is a feasible, safe and efficient procedure.