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Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement: What to Expect at Home

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Location of dialysis catheter outside the body and inside peritoneum.

Your Recovery

Peritoneal dialysis catheter placement is a surgery to place a soft tube (catheter) in an area of your belly (peritoneum) for dialysis. Dialysis does the work of your kidneys when they fail.

Your doctor made a small cut (incision) in your belly. Then your doctor placed a catheter through the cut and into your belly. The cut was closed with stitches. The end of the catheter exits out of your belly.

The catheter can be used for dialysis in 10 to 14 days. Dialysis fluid will flow into your belly through the catheter. It stays there for several hours. Then it flows out of your belly through the catheter.

Keep the bandage around the catheter dry, and don't take it off. Be careful not to bump or move the catheter.

You may have some pain for a few days. You may also feel tired and sick to your stomach. Be sure to rest when needed. And follow your doctor's instructions for how to manage your pain and nausea.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

 
  • Do not lift heavy objects.
  • Limit physical activity. Ask your doctor when it's okay to do your normal activities.
  • Do not swim until your doctor says it's okay.

Diet

 
  • Avoid constipation and straining. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

 
  • If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.

Incision care

 
  • You will have a dressing over the cut (incision). A dressing helps the incision heal and protects it. Do not change or care for the dressing. Dressing changes will be done by your care team until the cut heals.
  • Keep the dressing clean and dry.
  • Try not to bump or move the catheter until the cut heals.

Hygiene

 
  • Use a washcloth to clean your body. Be careful to not get the bandage wet.
  • Ask your doctor when it's okay to shower or take a bath.

Catheter care after the incision heals

 
  • Always wash your hands before and after you touch the catheter.
  • Clean your catheter site daily with antibacterial soap. Wear gloves. Pat dry with a clean towel.
  • Apply antibacterial ointment to clean the skin around the catheter. Your care team will tell you what ointment to use and how to apply it. Put on a clean dressing.
  • Always clean and dry your catheter and access area right away after you get wet.
  • Fasten or tape the catheter to your body to keep it from catching on your clothes.
  • Never use scissors or other sharp objects around your catheter.
  • Store your dialysis supplies in a cool, dry place.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have symptoms of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the cut.
    • Red streaks leading from the cut.
    • Pus draining from the cut.
    • A fever.
  • You have belly pain.
  • You have nausea or vomiting.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • The dialysis fluid looks cloudy or is a different color.
  • Fluid does not flow through the catheter.
  • The dialysis equipment isn't working.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter P012 in the search box to learn more about "Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement: What to Expect at Home".

Current as of: October 11, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 11, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.