Advice following Peritoneal Dialysis catheter insertion
This page provides you with information about how to care for your 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
There are very few risks associated with PD catheter insertion but you need to be aware of the possible complications.
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 telephone number is at the end of this page.
- take pain relief as advised, if needed. The PD insertion site may be tender for the first few weeks.
- take your 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.
It is important that you:
- do not have a bath. You will be at risk of an infection if the catheter is put under water.
- do not have a shower until the insertion site has healed. You will be told by the PD nurses when you are able to have a shower again. This is usually 2 weeks following insertion.
- do not remove your catheter insertion site dressing while it is healing as this will increase the risk of infection. Do not let anyone else, apart from a member of the PD trained staff, remove your dressing unless it is an emergency.
- do not try and peek at the insertion site. This advice is for everyone, including non-PD doctors, GP’s, district nurses and family members, unless they have been given specific instructions by the PD nurse.
- do not lift anything heavy. Lifting heavy objects will put pressure on your abdomen and may cause a lump to develop through the muscle wall. If you notice anything unusual, please contact the PD team.
- do not drive for 1 to 2 weeks as the seat belt can cause pressure on your abdomen which 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 24 hours (please ask for the nurse in charge)
Further information
National Kidney Federation (NKF)
Tel: 0845 601 0209
Website: www.kidney.org.uk or www.kidney.org.uk/introduction-to-peritoneal-dialysis-pd
Kidney Patient Guide
Website: www.kidneypatientguide.org.uk