Laparoscopic management of peritoneal dialysis catheters

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter could be placed also by open laparotomy as well as by laparoscopic techniques. We did a retrospective study on cases to compare the results of laparoscopies. There were included 42 patients which we divided in two groups of 21. Group A underwent 21 cases in which catheters was inserted by open laparotomy. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was started in 24 to 48 hours later. Group B incharged 21 patients underwent laparoscopic placement of the catheter between 2000 and 2001. Continuous peritoneal dialysis was started early (after 6 hours). The mean operative time was 28 minutes in group A and 30 minutes in group B. Fluid leakage was noticed in 4 patients in group A and in 3 patients in group B. Peritoneal reactions occurred in 5 patients in group A and in 2 patients in group B. Tip migration occurred in 5 patients in group A (one of which was mobilized accidentaly early after intervention) in which was necessary 4 open reinterventions, and no patients in group B. In group B one patient underwent a simultaneous liver biopsy for cirosis and another female patient underwent ovariectomy for a giant ovary cyst. Laparoscopic placement of dialysis catheter leads to better function than does open procedure, it allows immediate start of dialysis and permits simultaneous performance of other laparoscopic procedures.     

COMPARATIVE EXPERIENCE OF A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC CHRONIC AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS CATHETER PLACEMENT

Background : Chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is now an established technique for renal dialysis. Patients with renal failure cope poorly with major surgery and it is vital that the dialysis catheter tip is sited accurately in the pelvis if long-term catheter function is to be achieved. Laparoscopic placement of CAPD catheters may have potential advantages for renal patients by avoiding the morbidity of a laparotomy. Methods : A retrospective audit was performed of all CAPD catheters inserted at the John Hunter Hospital over a 2-year period. Results of laparoscopically inserted catheters and those placed at laparotomy were compared. Results : Sixty catheters were inserted, 30 laparoscopically and 30 at laparotomy. The mean operative time was 41 min in the laparoscopic patients and 57 min in the laparotomy patients (P= 0.0001). The mean total dose of narcotic administered postoperatively was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (5 mg vs 65 mg, P= 0.00002). There were three minor peri-operative complications in the laparoscopic group and seven peri-operative complications in the laparotomy group, three required reoperation and one resulted in the patient'death. There were no significant differences in the incidence of exit-site infection, catheter blockage, peritonitis, and overall catheter survival, although the laparoscopically placed catheters had been followed up for a shorter period (10 vs 16 months). Conclusions : This laparoscopic technique is safe and effective. Postoperative pain was less than for open placement. Laparoscopically placed catheters had a low incidence of peri-operative complications. Medium-term patency is similar to conventionally placed catheters. This procedure requires no additional equipment to that available for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and takes less time than the open operation.     

Comparison of open and laparoscopic secure placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters

Background A major and frustrating complication of peritoneal dialysis catheter placement is mechanical outflow obstruction, which may be caused by catheter tip migration. Therefore, a secure and correct positioning of the catheter is important to minimize this risk. This technique is easily accomplished by a laparoscopic approach.Methods The outcomes of 50 patients in whom peritoneal dialysis catheters were inserted laparoscopically with a secure catheter placement technique were compared with those of 52 patients who underwent an open surgical technique using a stiff wire as guidance for the catheter. The data were prospectively collected but not randomized. All the patients had virgin abdomens, and all the procedures were undertaken or supervised by one surgeon.Results Catheter migration occurred in six patients (12%) in the open group, as compared with none in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in catheter survival between the two groups.Conclusions The laparoscopic technique with secure placement of the catheter lowered the incidence of catheter migration, but did not increase the catheter survival.     

Laparoscopic placement and revision of peritoneal dialysis catheters.

Chronic peritoneal dialysis is an option for many patients with end stage renal disease. Laparoscopy offers an alternative approach in the management of dialysis patients. Over an 18-month period, laparoscopy was used for placement or revision of seven peritoneal dialysis catheters. All were placed in patients with end stage renal disease for chronic dialysis. Two catheters were initially placed using the laparoscope, and in five other patients, the position of the catheter was revised. Of the two patients who had their catheters placed initially, one patient had a previous lower mid-line incision and underwent laparoscopic placement of a catheter and lysis of pelvic adhesions. The second patient had hepatitis C and chronically elevated liver function tests. He underwent laparoscopic placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter and liver biopsy. Five patients had laparoscopic revision for non-functional catheters. Four were found to have omental adhesions surrounding the catheter. Three patients were found to have a fibrin clot within the catheter, and in one patient the small bowel was adhered to the catheter. All seven patients had general endotracheal anesthesia. There were no operative or anesthetic complications. The average operative time was 56 minutes. Four patients had their procedure in an ambulatory setting and were discharged home the same day. One patient was admitted for 23-hour observation, and two patients had their procedure while in the hospital for other reasons. In follow-up, there was one early failure at two weeks, which required removal of the catheter for infection. One catheter was removed at the time of a combined kidney/pancreas transplant eight months after revision. The other five catheters are still functional with an average follow-up of ten months. These results suggest that laparoscopy is another method for placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters and more importantly for revision in patients with nonfunctional catheters secondary to adhesions. It also provides an opportunity to evaluate the abdomen and perform concomitant procedures.     

A novel minimally invasive technique for insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheter

The placement of a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) catheter by conventional open surgical or trocar technique may cause a number of complications such as infection, hemorrhage, leakage, incisional hernia, and visceral organ perforation. Most complications are related to open surgery or insertion of the catheter with the guidewire without direct visualization. Insertion of the catheter laparoscopically under direct visualization has been previously described. The authors who described this technique used two or three ports for the camera and instruments. In this study we describe a laparoscopic technique for insertion of the peritoneal dialysis catheter under direct visualization with use of one-camera port and an accessory 2-mm umbilical incision. This prospective study was performed with the approval of the ethics committee of the Gazi University Hospital, in Ankara, Turkey. There were a total of eight patients: five males and three females, with an average age of 34.3 years (range, 11-54), who underwent laparoscopic CAPD insertion between 1997 and 2000. The catheter was inserted into the abdominal cavity 2 cm below the umbilicus. The subcutaneous tunnel was made with the assistance of a specially designed L-shaped trocar. All patients did well after the operation and had excellent cosmetic results. There was one leak in the early postoperative period, which was treated conservatively. The average operating time was 34.7 minutes (range, 25-45 minutes). The laparoscopic approach for peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion, for management of transmigrated CAPD catheters, and to resolve omental occlusions should be considered as an alternative to open surgery, especially for patients who have peritoneal adhesions secondary to a history of abdominal surgeries or recurrent peritonitis.     

Laparoscopic management of Tenchkoff catheters in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

We describe a one-port laparoscopic technique for assisting in Tenchkoff catheter placement and salvaging obstructed ones in patients requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This unique technique enables diagnostic laparoscopy, adhesiolysis, repositioning of catheters, and omentectomy to be performed without laparotomy. Six patients were treated. Only one 10-mm port was required, using an operating laparoscope and an instrument introduced through the working channel of the laparoscope. Adhesiolysis was performed under laparoscopic vision; omentectomy and flushing of blocked catheters were carried out extracorporeally. The catheters were then repositioned to the pelvic cavity under laparoscopic vision. All patients were followed up for 6–10 months. No mechanical problem was noticed. Our one-port laparoscopic technique is a simple and effective method for treating patients who have mechanical problems with their peritoneal dialysis catheters. Received: 14 January 1997/Accepted: 14 April 1997     

Mini-laparoscopy-assisted placement of Tenckhoff catheters: an improved technique to facilitate peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite its overall efficacy and patient satisfaction with it, peritoneal dialysis has a history of significant complications, which has contributed to the evolution in the technique from open laparotomy to minimally invasive placement of the catheters. Our goal was twofold: (1) to review our early experience with a technique of mini-laparoscopy-assisted (MLA) placement of dialysis catheters compared with open placement and (2) to demonstrate that urologists are able to provide a satisfactory procedure while concurrently developing and maintaining laparoscopic skills within a residency training program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of the first 14 consecutive patients who underwent MLA placement of Tenckhoff dialysis catheters by a single surgeon (LCM) from January 1, 2000, through March 31, 2001, were reviewed. Postoperative narcotic analgesia, length of hospital stay, operative times, days until cycling, and rates of leakage, infection, and malfunction necessitating removal of catheters were compared with the corresponding data from 12 consecutive patients who underwent traditional open placement during the same time period. A telephone survey was performed to corroborate and supplement the findings from the chart review. RESULTS: Differences in complications necessitating catheter removal were not significant. The difference in the mean operative times of 41.7 minutes in the MLA group and 55.7 minutes for open placement was statistically significant. Postoperatively, the MLA group used less narcotic analgesia, had shorter hospital stays, and returned earlier to usual activities. The incidence of leakage after catheter placement was greater in the open group, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The MLA technique of dialysis catheter placement appears to have similar or greater efficacy than the open technique. It is a viable teaching procedure, and with reusable 3-mm ports and shorter operative times, it is cost efficient as well.     

局麻下腹腔镜技术在腹膜透析置管术中的临床应用体会

目的:探讨局麻下腹腔镜技术应用于腹膜透析置管术的可行性与临床疗效。方法:总结分析10例尿毒症患者局麻下行腹腔镜腹膜透析置管术的临床资料。脐上缘(A点)建立CO2气腹,置入5 mm腹腔镜,在腹腔镜监测下于脐下2 cm左旁开1.5 cm处(B点)向下隧道式穿刺入腹,由此置入腹膜透析管,再平B点向左7 cm垂直向下1.5 cm处(C点)置入弯分离钳,将一端准确置入膀胱直肠陷窝或子宫直肠陷窝,另一端经皮下隧道经C点引出体外。结果:腹膜透析管均放置成功,手术时间15~20 min,效果非常满意,并成功进行腹膜透析,未发生透析管漂浮、渗漏、堵管等并发症。结论:局麻下腹腔镜腹膜透析置管术是定位精确、安全可行的新方法。与传统开放手术相比,腹部切口更微创,患者痛苦轻,术后康复快,住院时间短,可尽早下床活动,值得临床推广应用。     

Laparoscopic omentectomy for salvage of peritoneal dialysis catheters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Maintaining long-term peritoneal catheter function for peritoneal dialysis is commonly threatened by problems with catheter obstruction. Multiple methods have been used to salvage nonfunctioning catheters, including omentopexy, catheter repositioning, and omentectomy. We report on our experience with a laparoscopic method of omentectomy and catheter fixation for salvage of nonfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with nonfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters underwent 16 laparoscopic procedures with the intent to restore function. Clinically, all patients presented with outflow obstruction. At initial presentation, all patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and a definitive procedure. In 12 patients, catheters were enveloped by omentum, and we performed laparoscopic omentectomy and catheter fixation to the anterior pelvic wall. In one patient, we identified a broken catheter and performed a laparoscopic omentectomy at the time of catheter replacement. One 10-mm and two 5-mm trocars were utilized. Omentectomy was performed using either endo-GIA stapled resection (2 patients) or the Harmonic Scalpel (11 patients). All trocar incisions (including the 5-mm site) were closed with a suture-passing (Carter-Thomason) device to provide water-tight closure in anticipation of immediate return to peritoneal dialysis. Patients were followed postoperatively for an average of 17 months (range 4-35 months). RESULTS: All patients' catheter function was restored intraoperatively with laparoscopic omentectomy and catheter fixation. Eight catheters remained functioning following omentectomy without further intervention. Five patients (38%) experienced repeat catheter malfunction and underwent laparoscopic exploration. Of these, three catheters (60%) were restored to function with laparoscopic manipulation alone. Three catheters were found encased in extensive adhesions. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was successful in one patient and unsuccessful in one patient, who converted to hemodialysis. One patient failed laparoscopic salvage and required open laparotomy and fibrin clot removal to restore catheter function. One catheter was found to be obstructed within a pericolic hematoma. One catheter was found within residual omentum at the hepatic flexure. Both of these catheters were freed laparoscopically and continued to function at 12 and 16 months' follow-up. Complications included one episode of peritonitis, one case of postoperative ileus, and one trocar site hernia necessitating repair. The nephrologists were instructed that they could begin peritoneal dialysis on postoperative day 1. Seven patients resumed peritoneal dialysis without leak from trocar sites. The remaining patients received temporary hemodialysis through a central venous catheter and returned to peritoneal dialysis at the discretion of their nephrologists. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic omentectomy with catheter fixation is a minimally invasive means of salvaging peritoneal dialysis catheters with outflow obstruction. Complications are few, and closure of laparoscopic incisions in water-tight fashion allows rapid return to peritoneal dialysis.     

Secure placement of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheters under laparoscopic assistance

Laparoscopic surgical procedures were performed in 18 patients with end-stage renal disease for the placement of a Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter. Among them, 6 patients had received previous lower abdominal surgical treatment and 3 patients underwent laparoscopic rescue of dysfunctional Tenckhoff catheters. The operating time was between 40 and 80 minutes (median, 50 minutes). After a median follow-up period of 11 months, the short-term results revealed that no significant morbidity was associated with this procedure, and all catheters except two functioned well postoperatively. One of the catheters was not functional because of the patient's death, and the other one was removed because of persistent peritonitis. Laparoscopic secure placement of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheters appears to be a simple, safe, and viable procedure, even in patients with previous lower-abdominal operations. The same technique can be used to rescue dysfunctional catheters that are displaced or obstructed by adhesion and omental wrapping, thus increasing catheter longevity.     

Videolaparoscopic implantation of long-term peritoneal dialysis catheters

Implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters by traditional laparotomy or trocar/guidewire techniques leaves the operator blind to the actual location and configuration of the peritoneal catheter tubing; it is associated with drainage dysfunction from catheter obstruction in 10–22% of catheter placements. This report presents a laparoscopic technique that allows accurate tube placement with complete visualization of the implant procedure. The peritoneal dialysis catheter was implanted through a port inserted in a paramedian location. Videoscopic monitoring was performed through a second port inserted in a pararectus location on the opposite side of the abdomen. Nitrous oxide gas was utilized for peritoneal insufflation thus permitting the procedure to be accomplished under local anesthesia. Follow-up of ≤12.7 months (median, 4.4) for the first 28 patients revealed a high rate of successful catheter function with an outflow obstruction rate of 3.6%. The procedure was well tolerated by patients under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Videolaparoscopy is ideally suited for peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation. Visual conformation of proper catheter location and configuration during the implant process are associated with lower incidences of outflow failure.     

Surgical considerations of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

The surgical considerations pertaining to 173 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheters were reviewed in 140 patients from 1979 through 1983. All catheters were inserted in the operating suite by an open technique. Local anesthesia was used in the majority of patients (59%). Catheter peritonitis was the most frequent complication, 228 episodes/2407 patient months. Twenty-three percent of the patients accounted for 51% of catheter-related peritonitis. Sixteen catheters were removed because of an inability to clear the infection. Intra-abdominal catastrophes were noted in four patients and differentiation from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis was based on serial examinations, bacteriologic cultures, and/or a progressive increase in free abdominal air. Surgically-related catheter complications were designated either early (less than 1 month) or late (greater than 1 month) in relation to catheter placement. Frequent early complications were mechanical flow problems and dialysate leaks. Five of 11 mechanical flow difficulties required catheter replacement while none of the dialysate leaks required surgical intervention, and all healed spontaneously. Common late complications included 35 tunnel infections, 23 of which were associated with peritonitis. Nine of these catheters (25%) were removed. Cuff extrusion was also associated with a high incidence (83%) of catheter attrition. Thirty-six patients underwent renal transplantation and in no instance did the catheter increase patient or renal allograft morbidity rates.     

Primary laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters in children and young adults

Background: Primary placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters in children often requires suturing of the catheter into the pelvis. We describe our experience with a gasless laparoscopy technique in children and young adults. Methods: During an 18-month period, 12 patients (mean age, 14 years) underwent primary laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters. A single umbilical port was used for abdominal wall elevation, telescope, and catheter. A needleholder was introduced via an accessory port at the future catheter exit site or through the umbilical port. Omentectomy was performed through the umbilical incision. The catheter was tunneled to the lateral abdominal wall. Follow-up data (≥15 months) included time to initiation of dialysis, hospitalization, and outcome. End points were cure, transplantation, or death. Results: Diet was started on the day of surgery and dialysis on the following day. Four patients had seven complications, including leakage and entanglement of the catheter in tubal fimbriae. Long-term revision-free catheter survival was 67% at 24 months. Conclusions: This minimal access technique for primary placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters includes securing of the catheter tip in a dependent location and omentectomy. It allows nearly immediate use of the catheter, leads to a minimal hospital stay, and has acceptable long-term patency. Received: 24 December 1998/Accepted: 3 March 1999     

Laparoscopic omental fixation technique versus open surgical placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters

Background: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is an effective form of treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Open insertion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters is the standard surgical technique, but it is associated with a relatively high incidence of catheter outflow obstruction and dialysis leak. Omental wrapping is the most common cause of mechanical problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the laparoscopic omental fixation technique to prevent the obstruction caused by omental wrapping and also to compare this laparoscopic technique with open peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion with respect to postoperative discomfort, complication rates, and catheter survival. Methods: Between March 1998 and October 2001, 42 double-cuff, curled-end CAPD catheters were placed in 42 patients. The outcomes of the 21 patients in whom the PD catheters were placed laparoscopically with omental fixation technique were compared with those of the 21 patients in whom the catheters were placed with open surgical technique. Recorded data included patient demographics, catheter implantation method, early and late complications, catheter survival, and catheter outcome. Results: Early peritonitis episodes occurred in 8 of 21 patients (38.0%) in the open surgical group (OSG) versus 2 of 21 patients (9.5%) in the laparoscopic omental fixation group (LOFG) (p < 0.05); late peritonitis episodes occurred in 3 of 21 patients (14.2%) in the OSG versus 1 of 21 patients (4.7%) in the LOFG (p < 0.05). Early exit site infection occurred in 8 of 21 patients (38.0%) in the OSG versus 4 of 21 patients (19.0%) in the LOFG (p < 0.05), with many catheter-related problems in the conventional surgical group. There was no outflow obstruction in the LOFG. The conventional procedure was faster than the laparoscopic omental fixation technique. Analgesic requirements and hospital stay were less in the laparoscopic group. Laparoscopic surgery also enabled diagnosis of intraabdominal pathologies and treatment of the accompanying surgical problems during the same operation. Occult inguinal hernia was diagnosed in 2 patients, inguinal hernioplasty was performed in 4 patients, adhesiolysis was performed in 8 patients who had previous abdominal surgery, and liver biopsy was taken in 2 patients. Ovarian cystectomy was performed in another patient during laparoscopic CAPD catheter placement. Conclusion: The laparoscopic omental fixation technique (described by Öünç and published in 1999) is a highly effective and successful method for preventing obstruction due to omental wrapping with a better catheter survival. Laparoscopic surgery also allows the diagnosis and treatment of the accompanying surgical pathologies during the same operation.     

大网膜部分切除在腹腔镜腹膜透析管置入术的应用价值

目的探讨大网膜部分切除术在慢性肾脏病5期患者腹膜透析管置入术中的应用价值。方法选择郑州大学第一附属医院腹腔镜外科于2017-01—2019-08间收治的268例慢性肾脏病5期患者,其中190例行常规腹腔镜下腹膜透析管植入术(常规腹腔镜组)、78例行腹腔镜下腹膜透析管置入并大网膜部分切除术(大网膜切除组)。对2组患者的临床资料进行比较分析。结果2组患者的年龄、性别、术前血红蛋白、术前肌酐值等一般资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。268例手术均获成功,大网膜切除组手术时间长于常规腹腔镜组,手术费用多于常规腹腔镜组;常规腹腔镜组堵管10例,大网膜切除组无堵管病例。差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论腹腔镜下腹膜透析管置入并大网膜部分切除术,对预防术后大网膜包裹腹膜透析管效果良好,具有临床应用价值。     

The adequacy of laparoscopy for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis procedures

The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of diagnostic/therapeutic laparoscopy in the management of peritoneal Tenchoff catheter placement in end-stage renal disease patients who had previous abdominal surgery and malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters. From 1999 to 2004, 16 videolaparoscopic procedures were performed in 16 patients who had previous laparotomies. Laparoscopy was performed before peritoneal catheter placement in seven (group 1) and in 9 patients with peritoneal dialysis catheters in place, laparoscopy was performed for the management of catheter dysfunction (group 2). All laparoscopic procedures were performed under general anesthesia. The mean follow-up was 31.5 (range, 11 to 60) months. In group 1, six patients (85.7%), and in group 2, seven patients (77.7%) are still on peritoneal dialysis. Laparoscopy resulted in the placement/salvage of peritoneal dialysis catheter dysfunction. Placement of catheter was accomplished in patients who would have been previously designated as unsuitable candidates. Laparoscopy is a useful tool in every step of a peritoneal dialysis program.     

Laparoscopic salvage of malfunctioning Tenckhoff catheters

PURPOSE: Peritoneal dialysis is a practical and appropriate form of dialysis in developing countries, as patients can be trained to do this at home. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic techniques in managing malfunctioning Tenckhoff catheters in a supraregional nephrology and transplant center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2001 and 2004, 43 patients required Tenckhoff catheter insertion (20 males and 23 females). The average age was 8.9 years (range, 2-17 years). Four patients had their catheter tip sutured to the pelvic peritoneum and 11 underwent omentectomy at initial insertion. Laparoscopic salvage was performed using two or three 5-mm ports. If required, the tip of the catheter could be inspected and cleaned by delivering it through one of the port sites. The catheter was then replaced in the abdomen with the tip lying in the pelvis. Twenty patients (6 males and 14 females) required surgical correction for malfunctioning catheters. Eleven underwent a total of 13 laparoscopic salvage operations, and 9 patients had open replacement of catheters. RESULTS: The causes of malfunction identified in the laparoscopic group were occlusion by fimbriae (n = 4) or omentum (n = 1), peritonitis (n = 4), and displacement of catheter (n = 4). In the open replacement group 2 patients had peritonitis, 1 had occlusion due to fimbriae, and 1 due to omentum. Five had no cause identified. Re-look laparotomy and diathermy hemostasis of fimbriae was required in one patient due to bleeding from fimbriae following laparoscopic retraction of fimbriae from the peritoneal dialysis catheter. CONCLUSION: Twenty of forty-three (46%) patients required Tenckhoff catheter salvage surgery. The laparoscopic approach enabled us to visualize the cause of malfunction and correct problems without reinsertion of a new catheter, as had been our previous practice.     

Laparoscopic-assisted placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters: implantation technique and results

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis is a generally accepted method for the treatment of patients with end-stage renal failure. The laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters is a well-established technique and offers some advantages, such as a safer placement of the catheter, less post-operative complications, and a longer functional survival, compared to the conventional open technique. The aim of this study was to describe our implantation technique and to determine the results of our approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and February 2006, 47 patients with end-stage chronic renal failure underwent a laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion procedure. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 35 minutes (range, 16-100). There was no perioperative morbidity. Nine (19.1%) patients experienced 10 mechanical complications: fluid leakage in 6 (12.8%) patients, acute hydrothorax in 1 (2.1%), catheter tip migration in 2 (4.3%), and catheter obstruction in 1 (2.1%) patient. Episodes of peritonitis were observed in 5 (10.6%) patients. One (2.1%) patient developed a catheter infection. In 3 (6.4%) patients, a port site hernia occurred that required surgical repair, 5 (10.6%) patients underwent laparoscopic revisions owing to mechanical complications, 9 (19.1%) patients underwent renal transplantation, and 6 (12.8%) patients died during the later follow-up. After a mean follow-up time of 17 months (range, 2-76), 30 (63.8%) catheters are still in use for dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcome of the dialysis catheters was satisfactory in the majority of patients in this study. The described technique for catheter implantation is simple and safe, and in our opinion, the laparoscopic technique should be considered as the method of choice in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure.     

Laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter (same day dialysis).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains the generally accepted method for management of renal failure in chronic and acute renal failure. Despite the rapidly increasing use of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) since its introduction, controversy persists as to the efficacy and exact role of the modality in the treatment of end stage renal failure. The aim of this paper is to present the experience with laparoscopic placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter and starting the peritoneal dialysis on the same day. METHODS: The laparoscopic placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter was performed on 11 patients (10 males and 1 female) with an average age of 35 years, over a 12-month period. The procedure was done using two 5 mm abdominal trocars. The precise position of the catheter on the pelvis was ensured laparoscopically. One to two liters exchange dialysis was used for every patient, and no leakage was recorded. RESULTS: The patients tolerated the procedure well. The peritoneal dialysis was started immediately. Patients were discharged after an overnight stay, and PD was carried out routinely. CONCLUSION: The results of laparoscopic placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter show the following advantages: minimal incision; less surgical trauma; the procedure hastens the early start of peritoneal dialysis and has no complications.     

William Stewart Halsted: Father of American Modern Surgery

Peritoneal dialysis is an established alternative method for the management of patients with end-stage renal disease. Recently, laparoscopy has been utilized in assisting the insertion of catheters under direct vision. The efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for patients with a history of abdominal surgery remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate laparoscopy in the placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters for selected patients with previous abdominal operation. Laparoscopic assisted placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters was performed in 20 patients, who were carefully selected preoperatively and who also underwent previous abdominal operation between April 1999 and July 2001. Previous abdominal operation included appendectomy, ovarian resection, hysterectomy, cesarean section, open cholecystectomy, segmental resection of the small intestine, and truncal vagotomy with pyloroplasty. The procedure was performed using two 10-mm and one 5-mm abdominal trocar. All of the patients tolerated this procedure without significant surgical complications. However, 3 patients developed temporary hemoperitoneum, and 1 patient developed dialysate leakage. The overall success rate of catheter function (> 30 days after laparoscopy) was 90%, except in 2 cases where the catheter functioned poorly due to severe intra-abdominal adhesions. Simultaneous laparoscopic adhesiolysis was successfully performed in 5 cases. Laparoscopic implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters appears to be a straightforward procedure, even for patients with previous abdominal operation. We believe that this technique may extend the application of peritoneal dialysis treatment in patients with previous abdominal surgery after discreet evaluation preoperatively.