Gastrointestinal complications of renal failure

Gastrointestinal complaints are seen in up to 75% of patients with end stag e renal disease (ESRD). Pathologic changes in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and pancreas are frequently seen in these patients, as well. Th e causes of these complaints and changes are most likely the retained uremi c toxins associated with the dialyzed patient. Uremic toxins that are not w ell removed during routine dialysis seem to play a role in the changes seen in the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. This article rev iews some of the documented abnormalities associated with ESRD in the gastr ointestinal tract.