Biopsy and Surgical Considerations in Dialysis Patients: A Practical Guide for Dermatologists

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Background Advances in dialysis and medical care have improved survival for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and dermatologists are increasingly performing procedures in this population. However, platelet dysfunction, anemia, anticoagulation, and impaired wound healing create unique perioperative challenges that are not well addressed in the dermatology literature. Objective To provide a focused narrative review for dermatologists performing biopsies or surgeries in patients with ESRD, with an emphasis on perioperative and postoperative management. Methods PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched using combinations of terms including "biopsy," "dialysis," "renal failure," "ESRD," "uremia," "hemostasis," and "anticoagulation." Articles were included if they addressed surgical management, bleeding risk, or perioperative considerations in dialysis patients. Results Dialysis patients present distinct challenges related to platelet dysfunction, anticoagulation, and wound healing. Procedural planning must account for altered drug metabolism, fragile skin, timing around dialysis sessions, and tailored pain management. Conclusions Dermatologists performing surgery in ESRD patients must approach care with added awareness. This review provides a clinical framework to guide safe and successful decision-making.