Management of inguinal herniae in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: an audit of current UK practice

Postgrad Med J. 1998 Nov;74(877):669-70. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.74.877.669.

Abstract

Patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are at increased risk for the development of inguinal herniae, with a reported prevalence of 14%. Elective hernia repair is indicated for these patients as strangulation is associated with a high mortality in this population. There are currently no national guidelines relating to the optimal peri-operative management of these patients, in particular the appropriate pre- and post-operative dialysis regimen. The aim of the current study was to evaluate current practice in the UK by means of a postal questionnaire sent to all centres undertaking renal transplantation. Replies were received from 34/37 centres. The principal study finding was the wide variation in surgical practice between different centres with regard to pre- and post-operative dialysis regimes. Only 44% of centres had an established protocol. Based upon the study findings we have devised a protocol that we hope to see implemented into UK practice. Following its introduction, a re-assessment will be performed and the audit cycle completed.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Protocols
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Hernia, Inguinal / etiology
  • Hernia, Inguinal / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Medical Audit*
  • Patient Care Management*
  • Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory / adverse effects*
  • Renal Dialysis / methods
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom