How to start the late referred ESRD patient urgently on chronic APD

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has become a well-established complementary alternative to haemodialysis (HD) as first-line renal replacement modality. At our department, approximately 50% of the end-stage renal disease patients are started urgently on chronic dialysis due to late referral or unexpected deterioration of residual renal function. These patients--although suitable for PD--were previously started on HD via a temporary central venous catheter. Since January 2000, patients have been offered urgent start on chronic PD right after PD-catheter insertion by open surgery.