Do you avoid peritoneal dialysis in cirrhotic patients with ascites?

There are two major concerns regarding the performance of PD in patients with ascites: the potential for fluid leakage at the site of the newly placed catheter and the perceived increased potential for peritonitis. In my experience, neither of these is a compelling reason to shy away from PD in a pa...

No, I do not believe cirrhosis with ascites is an absolute contraindication to PD. There are benefits and challenges with the use of PD in cirrhotics with ascites. Some of the benefits of PD in lieu of traditional HD in this patient population include:

• steady state therapy
• slow ultrafiltration rates...

From a hepatology perspective, we are, in general, wary of peritoneal catheters and drains in cirrhotic patients who have significant recurrent ascites due to a high perceived infection risk, which is why large volume paracentesis (up to weekly) is still the preferred management approach selected by...