Objective: To assess whether a renal graft outcome is dependent on the modality of dialysis prior to transplantation and to assess risk of peritonitis and catheter-related problems posttransplantation.
Design: Retrospect analysis of the outcome of a first cadaveric renal transplantation from hemodialysis (HD) and CAPD patients over a ten-year period.
Patients: Out of a total of 905 renal transplants over a ten-year period, 699 were first grafts; 500 of these (241 on CAPD, 259 on hemodialysis) were analyzed while the remaining (incomplete data, predialysis, pediatric) were assessed for graft and patient survival only.
Main outcome: Graft and patient survival cases were identical in the two groups (five-year graft survival: CAPD 67%, hemodialysis 66%; five-year patient survival: CAPD 88%, hemodialysis 87%). CAPD posttransplant was necessary in 37 patients, while 10 developed peritonitis mostly related to CAPD use and responded to appropriate therapy. Routine catheter removal posttransplant was undertaken between 8 and 12 weeks.
Conclusion: Excellent graft and patient survival is achieved independent of the modality of dialysis prior to transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis can be used postgrafting, but there is a risk of peritonitis, which can be successfully managed with antibiotics and catheter removal. Great care is needed in executing the dialysis and catheter care after transplantation.