Merlin Park University Hospital has introduced a new pathway offering some dialysis patients an alternative to surgery for the insertion of catheters.
The new option will reduce waiting times and allow more people to avail of treatment at home following the implanting of peritoneal dialysis catheters.
Traditionally these catheters required surgery under general anaesthesia, however, selected patients who meet the criteria will now be offered the procedure as a day case using ultrasound guidance under a local anaesthetic.
The new process will improve patients’ overall experience and allow them to carry out their own treatment at home without having to come to the hospital regularly.
Peritoneal dialysis is a process of removing excess fluid and waste products from the body by running fluids in and out through the peritoneal catheter. It is one of the treatments used for kidney failure.
“This procedure was developed in order to meet the predicted demands for peritoneal dialysis as a home therapy option of choice for our patients,” said Dr Paul O’Hara, Consultant General Physician and Nephrologist and lead Nephrologist delivering this intervention.
“Surgical insertion will still be required for patients who are not candidates for medical insertion, but it will increase the number of patients who can access this service locally.”
He added that will, “give them the option of having the catheter inserted under ultrasound guidance with conscious sedation or local anaesthesia.”
“Peritoneal dialysis for the management of end-stage kidney disease offers improved patient involvement in the management of their care,
Dr O’Hara said that this option for managing end-stage kidney disease offers a, “better patient experience, autonomy and quality of life with treatment schedules that can be adapted to peoples’ lives, reducing the frequency of hospital attendance.”
The Home therapy service will incorporate patients from kidney centres in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny, and it is a key pillar of the home service’s development.
