Advice following Peritoneal Dialysis catheter insertion
This page will give patients information on how to care for their Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) catheter following insertion. A PD catheter is a tube that is inserted into your abdomen to allow for peritoneal dialysis. After the PD catheter has been inserted it should be cared for as advised by the PD team. This will help to reduce the risk of infection or displacement. It will also provide a smooth start to PD. You will be given detailed instructions for long term care by the PD nurse looking after you.
After the PD catheter has been inserted
You should:
- contact the PD Team or Ward 7b if you begin to feel unwell or have any concerns.
- contact the PD Team at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital if any fluid leaks through the dressing (the number is at the end of this page).
- take pain relief as advised if needed. The area may be tender for the first few weeks following insertion.
- You should: be prescribed laxatives, (medication to assist bowel movement). If you are having loose bowel motions please ask the PD Team for advice. This could be a sign of constipation and may cause the catheter to stop working or move into the wrong position.
Do not:
- have a bath; as putting the catheter under water puts you at risk of an infection.
- have a shower until the exit site is healed. You will be told by the PD nurses when you are able to have a shower again. This is usually after 2 weeks.
- remove your catheter exit site dressing yourself while the site is healing. This increases the risk of infection. Do not let anyone else, apart from trained PD staff, remove your dressing unless it is an emergency. Do not try and peek at the site. This advice is for everyone and includes non PD doctors, GP’s, district nurses and family, unless they have been given specific instructions by the PD nurse.
- lift anything heavy. Lifting heavy objects puts pressure on your abdomen and can cause a lump to develop through the muscle wall. If you notice anything unusual, please contact the PD team.
- drive for 1 to 2 weeks as the seat belt can cause pressure on your abdomen and may cause friction over the wound sites. It may also invalidate your motor insurance.
Contact information
If you have any questions or queries, please contact:
Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Office
Tel: 0300 422 6761
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm (except Bank Holidays)
For PD emergencies outside of these hours, please contact:
Ward 7b
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 6768
Open 24hrs (please ask for the nurse in charge)
Further information
National Kidney Federation (NKF)
Tel: 0845 601 0209
Website: www.kidney.org.uk
Kidney Patient Guide
Website: www.kidneypatientguide.org.uk