Surgical role in the management of peritoneal dialysis catheters – evidence and proposals to improve current practices

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) relies on adequate function of PD catheter. Mechanical complications are a major cause of dropout among PD patients. A prompt timing and an appropriate intervention may overcome these problems with catheter salvage, without interrupting PD treatment. Many Portuguese centers still lack a proper articulation between nephrology and surgical departments. We describe current available surgical approaches in the implantation of PD catheters, management of mechanical complications, exit -site infections and other abdominal surgical procedures. Our aim is to reinforce the need for an established protocol of action between these departments as occurs with vascular access in hemodialysis.