Authors (including presenting author) :
LEE KH(1), Wong WM(1), Tsang WY(1), Wong SHS(1)
Affiliation :
1 Renal Unit, Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
Keyword 1: :
Constipation Prevention
Keyword 2: :
Peritoneal Dialysis
Introduction :
Constipation is a common yet largely preventable complication among patients preparing for peritoneal dialysis (PD) and is a well-recognized contributor to PD catheter dysfunction. An increased fecal burden and intra-abdominal pressure may adversely affect the Tenckhoff catheter position and dialysate flow, leading to early catheter-related complications.
Objectives :
To evaluate the impact of early, nurse-led constipation prevention strategies initiated prior to Tenckhoff catheter insertion on peritoneal dialysis catheter function.
Methodology :
This ongoing quality improvement initiative employs a nurse-led, standardized protocol for preventing constipation in adult patients scheduled for Tenckhoff catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis. The protocol draws on established constipation management and literature, including guidance on bowel habit assessment and nonpharmacologic interventions (Leung et al., 2011), dietary fibre intake among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (Sutton et al., 2014), and the use of abdominal massage to promote bowel motility (Sinclair, 2011).
The protocol is initiated during preoperative assessment and includes routine evaluation of bowel patterns, individualized dietary and fluid guidance, promotion of mobility, structured patient education, and preventive bowel regimens incorporating supportive nonpharmacologic measures, such as abdominal massage, to promote bowel motility. Outcome data are collected through nursing documentation and medical record review.
Result & Outcome :
Outcomes of interest include postoperative constipation rates, incidence of PD catheter flow dysfunction, and the need for additional diagnostic or corrective interventions following catheter insertion. Data collection and analysis are ongoing.
