PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS IN NEONATES AFTER MAJOR ABDOMINAL-SURGERY

Three newborn babies with acute renal failure were started on peritone al dialysis 3, 4 and 3 days after abdominal surgery for intestinal per foration, intestinal malrotation with volvulus and hepatic laceration, respectively. Peritoneal access was achieved by Trocath catheters in the first two and via a Jackson-Pratt peritoneal drain inserted during surgery in the third baby. Two babies survived after dialysis for 9 a nd 6 days. The third baby was dialysed for 16 days, had partial recove ry in renal function and died of multisystem failure at the age of 35 days. Peritoneal dialysis is possible in neonates with recent major ab dominal surgery. Occasionally, a peritoneal drain inserted during surg ery may provide an easy access for the procedure.