Video-assisted thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis is effective for maintenance of peritoneal dialysis in acute hydrothorax complicating peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute, massive, unilateral hydrothorax is an uncommon but well-recognized complication of peritoneal dialysis. Its clinical course and treatment outcome after a recently advocated technique of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) talc pleurodesis remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between July 1998 and March 2002, among 475 CAPD patients in two regional hospitals in Hong Kong, nine patients (three men, six women, mean age 53+/-12 years) developed acute hydrothorax due to pleuroperitoneal communication (R=8, L=1) within 5.8+/-4.2 months (median, 5.2 m; range, 2 days to 11.6 months) of commencing peritoneal dialysis. Analysis of simultaneously obtained peritoneal and pleural fluid in all subjects only showed concordance in protein content (consistently<4 g/l), while fluid glucose and lactate dehydrogenase levels were not comparable. The methylene blue test was negative (n=4). Radionuclide scan (n=6) and contrast CT peritoneography (CTP, n=3) detected pleuroperitoneal communication in half and one-third of the patients, respectively. All patients underwent pleurodesis achieved by talc insufflation into the pleural cavity under VATS guidance. All patients were successfully returned to peritoneal dialysis. After a mean follow-up of 18.8+/-12.5 months, hydrothorax recurred in one patient (at 7 months after pleurodesis), who was successfully treated by repeating the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrothorax complicating CAPD is more commonly right-sided, and tends to occur within the first year of starting peritoneal dialysis. Isotope scan and CTP are insensitive in diagnosing pleuroperitoneal communication. A low pleural fluid protein content is the most consistent biochemical finding. VATS talc pleurodesis is a safe and reliable treatment of choice that allows sustained continuation of CAPD with low recurrence rate.     

Management options for hydrothorax complicating peritoneal dialysis

Hydrothorax as a result of pleuroperitoneal communication occurs in approximately 2% of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Although our understanding of its mechanisms is incomplete, it is apparent that the key to successful therapy is obliteration of a transdiaphragmatic route of dialysate leakage (pleuroperitoneal communication), possibly coupled with reduction of intra-abdominal pressure. This review corroborated the findings from 10 major population-based case series in which 60 of the 104 cases (58%) were able to resume long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Temporary interruption of PD alone was successful in half of them. As compared to this conservative approach, as well as chemical pleurodesis via intercostal chest drain, video-assisted thoracoscopic intervention (including direct pleurodesis and diaphragmatic repair) has shown a promising role. Efficacy of thoracoscopic treatment has been confirmed by several case series from various centers and the demonstration of a success rate in excess of 90%. With accumulating experience using the thoracoscopic technique, it remains to be seen whether this mode of treatment will obviate the traditional closed pleurodesis.     

A new technique of thoracoscopic pleurodesis for refractory hepatic hydrothorax

Background: Hepatic hydrothorax is defined as a pleural effusion that arises in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and no cardiopulmonary disease; it is believed to result from peritoneopleural communication through a defect in the diaphragm. Methods: Nine patients underwent thoracoscopic pleurodesis. The diaphragmatic defect was detected and corrected in two cases. In all patients, an argon beam coagulator was applied to the diaphragm surface, which was then completely covered with bioabsorbable prostheses. We then spread 3 ml of fibrin glue on the covered diaphragm and sprinkled 5 KE of OK-432 and 100 mg of minocycline hydrochloride in the thoracic cavity. Results: All patients showed clinical improvement. The pleural effusion and breathlessness resolved immediately after pleurodesis. There were two recurrences after 1 and 4 months, respectively. One of these patients improved after repeat pleurodesis; the other was treated conservatively. Conclusion: Our new technique of thoracoscopic pleurodesis is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax.     

Surgical treatment of massive hydrothorax complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Acute hydrothorax is a well-recognized complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and is often regarded as a contraindication to its use. We report three cases treated by surgical closure of a communication between the peritoneal and pleural cavities enabling CAPD to continue successfully. This is a simple, safe and effective procedure which merits wider use as an alternative to transferring the patient to permanent hemodialysis.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for hydrothorax in peritoneal dialysis patients - check-air-leakage method.

Hydrothorax developing from pleuroperitoneal communication as a complication of peritoneal dialysis was first described in 1967 [Edward SR, Unger AM. Acute hydrothorax-a new complication of peritoneal dialysis. JAMA 1967; 199:853-5. ]. The incidence of hydrothorax is approximately 1.6-2% of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. The key to successful therapy is obliteration of the transdiaphragmatic route of dialysate leakage with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The method in which air leakage is checked intraoperatively is the preferred choice and better than all other procedures.     

Right hydrothorax found soon after introduction of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: thoracoscopic surgery for pleuroperitoneal communication

Hydrothorax due to pleuroperitoneal communication is a rare complication in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). One of the problems of this complication is the need to cease CAPD, which means that the patient must shift completely to hemodialysis. Therefore, a quick, minimally invasive, and complete surgical repair of the pleuroperitoneal communication is required. We recently treated a patient who had developed a right hydrothorax soon after the introduction of CAPD. Clinical examination led to a diagnosis of pleuroperitoneal communication. The patient was successfully treated by complete thoracoscopic repair of the communication. We could precisely identify the defective site on the diaphragm using the dye-added CAPD solution method. CAPD was restarted 5 days after the operation, and there was no recurrence of hydrothorax after the operation.     

Acute hydrothorax in CAPD. Eearly thoracoscopic (VATS) intervention allows return to peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hydrothorax is a complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) occurring due to pleuroperitoneal fistulae. Several treatments exist with no consensus as to best management. We report on the largest series of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) treated pleuroperitoneal fistulae yet available. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2000, we treated 6 CAPD patients for acute right hydrothoraces using VATS. Data pertaining to size and sterility of hydrothoraces, presence of diaphragmatic defects, surgical procedures performed, morbidity and return to CAPD were obtained. RESULTS: Hydrothoraces were drained in all patients and there were no significant growths on subsequent culture. Fistulae were directly identified and closed in three patients. In the remaining patients, endoclips were placed across the base of small diaphragmatic blebs (the presumed site of communication). Parietal pleurectomy was performed uneventfully in all patients. There was no morbidity, all patients returned to haemodialysis and there have been no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Pleuroperitoneal fistulae produce symptomatic hydrothoraces in CAPD patients. A variety of approaches to the problem have been described. This is the largest series of VATS available and shows the usefulness of this approach in both closing the defect and producing an effective pleurectomy to prevent recurrence.     

Acute massive hydrothorax complicating peritoneal dialysis, report of 2 cases and a review of the literature.

Acute massive right-sided hydrothorax is a relatively rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis and may be responsible for the development of dyspnea during peritoneal dialysis. The pleural fluid appears to arise from the peritoneal dialyzate based on the time of its appearance and its chemical composition. It should be included in the differential diagnosis when a patient becomes dyspneic during peritoneal dialysis along with exaccerbation of congestive heart failure, pneumonia, atelectasis, and purulent bronchitis. Its occurrence is an indication to stop the peritoneal dialysis and contraindicates further use of this form of dialysis. Treatment may be conservative or aggressive (thoracentesis) depending on the clinical condition of the patient. Etiology is poorly understood. In some cases, there may be traumatic diaphragmatic fenestrations, but the majority of cases appear to be due to less well defined communications between the peritoneal and pleural spaces.     

Blastomyces dermatitidis peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis

Fungal peritonitis is an uncommon complication in peritoneal dialysis patients. We report a case of blastomyces dermatitis peritonitis in a nonimmunocompromised peritoneal dialysis patient, who initially presented with symptoms of lower extremity weakness and altered mental status. Peritoneal blastomycosis is rare condition and not previously reported in end stage renal disease patients on peritoneal dialysis. Fungal peritonitis can present with subtle clinical findings so a high index of suspicion is needed as early detection and treatment may decrease mortality and morbidity.     

Chylous ascites complicating neonatal peritoneal dialysis

We report the development of chylous ascites in a neonate as an uncommon complication during continuous peritoneal dialysis. Cloudy dialysis fluid containing many white blood cells might confuse the diagnosis of chylous ascites with infective peritonitis and result in inappropriate use of antibiotics. Resolution may be critical, since chyle removal during dialysis may result in profound immunosuppression and malnutrition due to lymphocyte and fat losses. After 4 weeks on a modified diet, the chyle leak resolved. The patient returned to breast milk and continues nighttime continuous-cycle peritoneal dialysis without further chyle leak.     

Acute scrotal oedema complicating peritoneal dialysis

A case of extraperitoneal leakage of dialysate producing massive acute scrotal oedema complicating peritoneal dialysis is presented. Important diagnostic features including select clinical images, the role of imaging modalities and appropriate management are discussed.     

Long-term survivors on peritoneal dialysis

To obtain information about predialysis characteristics and long-term outcome of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for more than 4 years, we reviewed all patients starting PD who performed continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and were at risk for more than 4 years. Sixty-two patients started; 42% were diabetic and 35% over age 60. Three recovered renal function, seven received transplants, and 12 switched to hemodialysis. Nineteen survived more than 4 years (long-term survivors, LTS), eight diabetic and 12 male. Twenty-one died on CAPD in less than 4 years (short-term survivors, STS). In comparison to STS, LTS were younger, with less prior cardiac disease, yet had higher predialysis serum creatinine values and lower hematocrits. LTS were observed for a mean of 65.3 +/- 3 months (48 to 91 months), and STS for a mean of 21 +/- 2 months. When compared to STS, LTS had fewer hospital days, hospital days for peritonitis, and a lower peritonitis rate, although the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis was greater in LTS. Cardiovascular and thromboembolic events were less frequent in LTS, but bone fractures were seen more often in the LTS diabetic patients. Weight gain, especially in males, and hernias were noted in both groups. BP improved, and vision was maintained in both groups. Non-PD-related infections causing hospitalization were low in both groups. Improved mean hematocrit and hemoglobin A, values were seen only in LTS. Mean serum cholesterol values increased with time in LTS. This study reveals that potentially high-risk patients such as diabetics and the elderly can have prolonged survival on PD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)