Three newborn babies with acute renal failure were started on peritoneal dialysis 3, 4 and 3 days after abdominal surgery for intestinal perforation, 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 and 6 days. The third baby was dialysed for 16 days, had partial recovery in renal function and died of multisystem failure at the age of 35 days. Peritoneal dialysis is possible in neonates with recent major abdominal surgery. Occasionally, a peritoneal drain inserted during surgery may provide an easy access for the procedure.