Surgical Outcome of Peritoneal Dialysis in Elderly Patients

Background: The success of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in elderly patients has been reported to be either slightly inferior or equivalent to that of younger patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome and suitability of PD in older individuals. Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2007, 67 patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent a surgical PD catheter insertion procedure were enrolled in this study. Complications related to PD catheters, hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and catheter survival were assessed. Analysis of catheter survival was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Fifteen elderly patients (65 years and older) undergoing PD catheter placement had similar complication rates (p=0.568) and catheter survival (log rank test, p=0.805) to those of the younger group. The postoperative stay was longer in elderly patients (24 vs. 18 days; p=0.049). Conclusion: Our results indicate that PD is a feasible and safe option for elderly patients with end-stage renal disease. [International Journal of Gerontology 2009; 3(3): 143–148]