ASDIN: Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Is it Needed for Dialysis Access Procedures?

Antibiotic prophylaxis has been employed to reduce the risk of infection. Many reports have documented the role of prophylactic antibiotics on the subsequent development of infection in patients undergoing surgical as well as a variety of percutaneous interventions including cardiac, vascular, biliary, genitourinary, and drainage of fluid collections. While prophylactic antibiotics can be critically important for certain procedures, their use can be associated with allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis), development of bacterial resistance, and increased costs of medical care. In this analysis, we report the incidence of clinical infection following minimally invasive interventions for dialysis access procedures. Hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients undergoing consecutive percutaneous interventions (n = 3162) for HD and PD access were included in this study. Procedure‐related clinical infection was defined as the presence of fever/chills, tenderness, erythema, swelling within 72 hours postprocedure. The procedures included percutaneous balloon angioplasty (arterial and venous) [n = 2078 (AVF = 1310; AVG = 768)], venography for vascular mapping (n = 110), endovascular stent insertion (n = 26), intravascular coil placement (n = 31), thrombectomy for an arteriovenous fistula (n = 106), thrombectomy for an arteriovenous graft (n = 110), tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) insertion and exchange (n = 283), TDC removal (n = 160), and insertion of accidentally extruded TDC through the same exit site (n = 9). There were 260 peritoneal dialysis catheter insertions and 15 repositioning procedures. Only patients undergoing TDC insertion for accidentally extruded catheter and PD catheter placement received antibiotic prophylaxis within 1–2 hours before the procedure. Extruded TDC received 1 g of cefazolin while PD catheter insertion had 1 g of intravenous vancomycin. Povidone iodine was used for skin antisepsis in all cases. One patient (0.04%) postangioplasty and one patient (0.3%) after tunneled catheter placement developed clinical infection manifested by fever, chills, and malaise within 24 hours of the procedure. Both required hospitalization. Patient with angioplasty was a diabetic with an arteriovenous graft while TDC insertion was performed in a patient with advanced HIV. Percutaneous dialysis access procedure infections are generally low and might not warrant routine administration of antibiotic prophylaxis for all cases except for PD catheters and accidentally extruded TDC.     

Fluoroscopy-assisted placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters by nephrologists

In the early 1950s and 1960s, peritoneal dialysis (PD) was used primarily to treat patients with acute renal failure. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was introduced in 1976 and continues to gain popularity as an effective method of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The PD catheter is inserted into the abdominal cavity either by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or nephrologist. We have adopted a percutaneous approach with fluoroscopic guidance for PD catheter insertion that is easy, safe, and provides good patency and infection rate results. In this article we describe the technique and our results. From August 2000 to May 2003, 34 PD catheters out of 36 were successfully inserted using the percutaneous fluoroscopic technique in selected patients referred from the nephrology clinic. All the PD catheters were placed in our Interventional Nephrology Vascular Suite by nephrologists.     

Is surgical PD catheter insertion safe for urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis?

Urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis (USPD) is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to hemodialysis through a central venous catheter for late‐presenting end‐stage renal disease patients. However, concerns remain about starting dialysis early following the surgical implantation of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter; urgent PD is often thought to be a safe option only after minimally invasive percutaneous catheter insertions. Analysis of the cumulative data from published literature presented in this review appears to negate this general perception and shows that compared to the percutaneous catheter insertions, starting PD urgently following surgically placed catheter is not associated with more catheter leaks, dysfunctions, or other complications. The outcome of USPD is independent of the mode of catheter insertion. Instead, measures to minimize intra‐peritoneal pressure including using the low initial dwell volume based on patient's weight and body habitus and keeping patients in strict supine posture during exchanges in the first 2 weeks of treatment are the two most important factors ensuring a minimization of the risk of catheter‐related complications.     

Catheter‐related sepsis in ultrasound‐guided percutaneously inserted long‐term tunnelled central venous catheter: A review of 50 patients

Objective: Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous insertion of a long‐term tunneled central venous catheter (TCVC) is now a very common procedure, but catheter‐related sepsis remains a significant problem. This study aims to review our results concerning this complication. Methodology: Fifty‐seven central venous catheters were inserted into 50 patients percutaneously under ultrasound guidance in Queen Elizabeth hospital for between 1 March 2003 and 30 April 2004. Data was retrospectively collected and analysed from hospital records. Results: This study had a successful placement rate of 100%. The overall complication rate was 31% (18 out of 57), comprised of four mechanical complications (all occurring within 30 days of insertion). There was no complication documented within the first 24 h. Fourteen patients developed infective complications, and of these eight patients were classified as catheter‐related sepsis, all requiring premature removal of their catheters. There were in total 6161 catheter days, with the incidence rate of catheter‐related sepsis of 1.2 per 1000 catheter days. The infecting organisms were heterogeneous, with the majority being Gram‐positive cocci (47%). Our study found that patients who developed neutropaenia within 30 days after insertion were significantly associated with catheter‐related sepsis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Insertion of TCVC under ultrasound guidance is a safe method with a high success rate. Incidence of catheter‐related sepsis of TCVC under percutaneous guidance was comparable to the open method. Neutropaenia developing within 30 days after ultrasound‐guided percutaneous insertion of central venous catheter may be associated with increased risk of catheter‐related sepsis.     

Similar Outcomes of Catheters Implanted by Nephrologists and Surgeons: Analysis of the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicentric Study

A good catheter implantation technique is important to allow for effective peritoneal access function and long‐term technique survival. Studies regarding results obtained by nephrologists in comparison with surgeons have been limited to small single‐center experiences. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the impact of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion operator on early catheter complications and on technique survival in a large national multicentric cohort study (Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicentric Study, BRAZPD). Adult incident patients recruited in the BRAZPD from December 2004 to October 2007 having undergone first PD catheter implantation were included in the analysis. Mechanical and infectious early complication rates were defined as time to the first event occurring up to 3 months after catheter insertion and adjusted for comorbidities. Valid data of 736 patients (mean age of 59 ± 16 years old, 52% women, 61% white) were analyzed. Mechanical (HR 0.99 [CI 0.56–1.76]; p = 0.98) and infectious (HR 0.63 [CI 0.32–1.23]; p = 0.17) early complication rates were similar between groups. Long‐term catheter survival was also similar between groups. Early complications rates and catheter survival were similar between groups defined by operator profile (nephrologist or surgeon), supporting the role of interventional nephrology in the placement of PD catheters.     

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.     

Long-Term Complication Rates and Survival of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters: The Role of Percutaneous Versus Surgical Placement

Considerable controversy currently exists in the literature concerning the mode of catheter placement and its impact on the technical success of peritoneal dialysis (PD). We decided to compare the impact of the surgical versus the percutaneous insertion technique on peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDCs) complications and survival. Our study population comprised 152 patients in whom 170 PDCs were inserted between January 1990 and December 2007 at the main PD unit on the island of Crete. Eighty four catheters were surgically placed (S group) and 86 were placed percutaneously by nephrologists (N group). The total experience accumulated was 4997 patient-months. The overall complications did not differ between the two groups. Only early leakage was more frequent in N group than S group (10.3 versus 1.9 episodes per 1000 patient-months; p  < 0.001). However, it was easily treated and did not constitute a cause of early catheter removal. Catheter survival was 91.1%, 80.7%, and 73.2%, in the S group versus 89.5%, 83.7%, and 83.7% for the N group at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively ( p  = 0.2). Catheter survival has significantly increased over the last decade. Factors positively affecting PDC survival appeared to be the use of mupirocin for exit site care and the utilization of the coiled type of catheter, practices implemented mainly after 1999. Peritonitis-free survival and patient survival were not associated with the mode of placement, while in Cox regression analysis, were longer in patients treated with automated PD. The placement mode did not affect PD outcomes. Percutaneous implantation proved a safe, simple, low cost, immediately available method for PDC placement and helped to expand our PD program.     

Wang's Forceps‐Assisted Percutaneous Insertion and Fixation of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter

Percutaneous insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters is theoretically most preferred by nephrologists because of the advantages of bedside performing, surgery independence, and minimal injury over other procedures of catheter placement such as open surgical dissection or laparoscopic operation. However, blindly placing catheters in the percutaneous procedure brings the risk of catheter malposition or bowel perforation; this largely retarded it's implementation. We had previously developed a novel technique termed “Wang's forceps‐assisted catheter insertion and fixation,” which had been successfully applied in the open surgical catheter insertion and displaced catheter reposition in our center. In this study, we further explored the possibility of applying the Wang's forceps in the procedure of percutaneous catheter insertion both in porcine model and patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). A total of three miniature pigs successfully received percutaneous catheter insertion using Seldinger's technique with Wang's forceps assistance. The catheters were all placed in the right position and functioning well in dialysate drainage. This novel method of percutaneous catheter insertion was then performed on 20 ESRD patients. The procedure showed effective time‐saving with the average operating time of 29.2 ± 3.53 min and was well tolerated by patients with minimal pain and injury. During a follow‐up time of 6 months, no complications of catheter displacement, leakage, or blockade occurred. Our preliminary observation demonstrates that utilization of Wang's forceps in a percutaneous procedure conferred benefits of accurately placing and fixing catheters while preserving the merits of minimal invasion and simple performance.     

Obstruction of peritoneal dialysis catheter is associated with catheter type and independent of omentectomy: A comparative data analysis from a transplant surgical and a pediatric surgical department

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter occlusion is a common complication with up to 36% of catheter obstructions described in the literature. We present a comparison of complications and outcome after implantation of PD catheters in a transplant surgical and a pediatric surgical department.

Acute peritoneal dialysis in the newborn: A safe and feasible method

IntroductionWe aimed to evaluate the patient characteristics of neonates treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and review our experience with placement of PD catheters.MethodsRecords of neonates treated with PD between January 2019 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsSwan neck curl PD catheters with double cuffs were used in 85 neonates as a bedside procedure with one cuff remaining within the abdomen. There were 44 (51.7%) males and 41 (48.3%) females. Their mean gestational age was 33.6 ± 4.9 (22–40) weeks and the mean birth weight was 2315,5 ± 1039 (500–4700) g. The primary diagnoses were asphyxia (n = 22, 25.9%), prematurity (n = 21, 24.7%), inborn errors of metabolism (n = 11, 12.9%), sepsis (n = 7, 8.2%), necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 5, 5.9%), dehydration (n = 5, 5.9%), hydrops fetalis (n = 5, 5.9%), congenital heart diseases (n = 5, 5.9%) and renal anomalies (n = 4, 4.7%). The mean duration of PD was 11.6 ± 13.7 days (range 1 to 75 days). Catheter-related complications occurred in 7 (8.2%) patients. These were drainage problems (n = 4), leakage (n = 1), incisional hernia (n = 1) and wound dehiscence (n = 1). Mortality because of underlying condition occurred in 57 (67.1%) patients. Mean pre-dialysis pH and sodium levels were statistically higher in surviving newborns than in those with a fatal outcome (7.19 vs 7.09 and 144.4 mmol/L vs 134.6 mmol/L, respectively) (p<0.05).ConclusionsPD is a safe, simple and effective therapy in neonates. The mortality rate in those treated with PD is high, especially due to serious underlying diseases. Lack of appropriate devices necessitates revisions in the catheters and techniques used for PD treatment.Type of studyCase seriesLevel of evidenceIV     

Practical peritoneal dialysis — the Tenckhoff catheter in acute renal failure

The problem of acquiring secure peritoneal access encompasses most of the history of peritoneal dialysis. We review the catheters available for children and describe a simple method of insertion of Tenckhoff catheters for acute dialysis. Two series of Tenckhoff catheters inserted in this way are presented and compared with results obtained with trocar- and guidewire-inserted catheters. Tenckhoff catheters inserted as described allow significantly longer periods of dialysis (P<0.02) with significantly fewer problem episodes (P<0.001). We conclude that the use of the Tenckhoff catheter for acute dialysis, when inserted in the way described, confers significant advantages over other catheters and permits secure peritoneal access.     

Abdominal visceral perforation by buried peritoneal dialysis catheters: Cause or coincidence?

Delayed visceral organ perforations after PD catheter insertions are extremely rare. We report two patients who presented with asymptomatic visceral perforation from their buried PD catheters. Five months after a laparoscopic buried PD catheter insertion in a 92‐year‐old man PD was initiated; bile and bowel contents were noted in the PD effluent. He subsequently expired (from pneumonia) to autopsy revealed the PD catheter within the small bowel. Despite this perforation, there was no evidence of peritonitis, inflammation, nor any bowel content within the peritoneal cavity. A second case was observed 2.5 months after an uncomplicated laparoscopic buried PD catheter insertion in a 60‐year‐old woman. PD was attempted; the patient had an immediate urge to void. MRI revealed the presence of the PD catheter within her bladder. She underwent PD catheter revision the next day with repair of bladder perforation and ultimately successfully initiated PD . Since the perforations did not occur at the time of catheter placement, we believe that the catheter eroded into a viscus, perhaps related to the lack of a fluid at the catheter ‐ viscus interface. The diagnosis of delayed visceral organ perforation following buried PD catheter insertion may be delayed because the catheter is not immediately used.     

Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion using a Quinton percutaneous insertion kit.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed a unique technique of laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion which can minimize catheter dysfunction. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic PD catheter placement with a Quinton percutaneous insertion kit between July 2000 and December 2004. RESULTS: Thirty-one catheters were placed laparoscopically. The mean operating time was 52 minutes. Adhesiolysis was required in 9 (29%) and omentectomy or omentopexy in 3 (10%) cases. Late complications included catheter dysfunction in 2 patients (6.5%), debilitating abdominal pain requiring catheter removal in 1 patient, and 1 trocar-site hernia. The mean follow-up was 17 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic PD catheter insertion using a Quinton percutaneous insertion kit is safe, reproducible, and effective. It facilitates placement of the catheter tip into the pelvis and allows adhesiolysis, omentectomy, or omentopexy when necessary. Utilization of this technique results in a low rate of PD catheter dysfunction.     

Solid‐type RCC originating from native kidneys in renal transplant recipients should be monitored cautiously

Incidental hemodialysis‐related renal cell carcinoma (id‐RCC) has been reported to have a good prognosis. However, we have observed rapid progression of id‐RCC in some renal transplant patients. Operative indications for id‐RCC detected via computed tomography (CT) immediately before renal transplantation (RTx) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of immunosuppression on the progression of solid‐type RCC (s‐RCC) and cystic‐type RCC (c‐RCC). We divided 202 patients with id‐RCC into four groups as follows: Group 1, s‐RCC with RTx (n = 17); Group 2, c‐RCC with RTx (n = 27); Group 3, s‐RCC without RTx (n = 53); and Group 4, c‐RCC without RTx (n = 105). Five‐year cancer specific survival (CSS) rates were significantly worse in Group 1 than Group 3 (79.6% and 100%, respectively, P = 0.012), as were non‐recurrence rates (NRRs) (59.2 and 100%, respectively, P < 0.001). In contrast, 5‐year CSS rates were similar in Group 2 and Group 4 (100% and 95.7%, respectively, P = 0.295) as were NRR (100% and 98.7%, respectively, P = 0.230). Solid‐type RCC should be removed immediately after RTx, and more carefully monitored for recurrence during follow‐up.     

Complications in the use of intravenous catheters for major surgery: A clinical study

Two groups of patients received one of two intravenous catheters, a 20-gauge (ga) Criticon (C group;n=96) or a 20-gauge (ga) Vitaflon Plus (V group;n=100). Each catheter was inserted under identical cannulation conditions. Fluids and drugs used pre- and postoperatively were comparable in both groups. All catheters remained in place for a minimum of 4 days. Variables related to the quality of cannula were more favorable with the V group catheter. The incidence of early complications (erythema, swelling, tissue hardness, pain) was comparable in both groups. The survival distribution curves for all complications and swelling >2 cm were significantly longer in the V group. The frequency of swelling correlated with difficulty during vein penetration, slow blood flashback, and damage to the catheter. The incidence of complications following cannulation was high in both groups. The period from catheter insertion to the clinical onset of phlebitis was prolonged in both groups if antiphlebitogenous fluids were used. The incidence of late complications (phlebitis, displacement of the cannulae, etc.) and damage to the catheters was more frequent in the C group. The authors discuss the clinical relevance of these findings.     

Study of early complications associated with peritoneal dialysis catheters: an analysis of the New Zealand Peritoneal Dialysis Registry data

Introduction

Early peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC)-related complications are frequent and make an important contribution to long-term PD survival. We aimed to analyse the incidence and specific causes of early PDC-related complications.

Methods

This study was conducted from January 2001 to December 2012, utilising the New Zealand PD Registry (NZPDR) data. The objectives of this study were to analyse the incidence and causes of PDC-related complications within 4 weeks and 3 months of insertion. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyse any demographic or clinical risk factors of early PDC-related complications.

Results

Of the 2573 PDC insertions during this period, majority 88% were surgically inserted. The number of complication within 4 weeks ranged from minimum of 20% to a maximum of 34% annually, with infections and flow dysfunctions leading the causes. There has been a minor drop in the infection rates from 19 to 16% (p?=?0.21), and flow dysfunction from 12 to 9% (p?=?0.16), from 2001 to 2012. A reduced odds of early complication was noted in elderly individuals above 60 years age, with odds ratio of (OR) of 0.73 (95% CI 0.53–0.99), while as higher odds of early complications were recorded in female gender, OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.06–1.88). Of the 10% of patients who failed to initiate PD within 90 days, flow dysfunction contributed to 32%, followed by infectious and surgical causes in 16% and 15%, respectively. The median time from insertion of PDC to initiation of PD was 17 days (interquartile range of 14–24 days)

Conclusions

Improvements in PDC insertion techniques and reduction in infection rates may result in improvements in long-term PD technique survival.

     

Evaluation of the Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System on peripherally inserted central catheter malposition rates

Peripherally inserted central catheters are often positioned blindly in the central circulation, and this may result in high malposition rates, especially in critically ill patients. Recently, a new technology has been introduced (Sherlock 3CG Tip Positioning System) that uses an electro‐magnetic system to guide positioning in the superior vena cava, and then intra‐cavity ECG to guide positioning at the cavo‐atrial junction. In this observational study, we investigated how the Sherlock 3CG Tip Positioning System would affect peripherally inserted central catheter malposition rates, defined using a post‐insertion chest radiograph, in critically ill patients. A total of 239 catheters positioned using the Sherlock 3CG Tip Positioning System were analysed. When an adequate position was defined as low superior vena cava or cavo‐atrial junction, 134 catheters (56.1%; 95% CI 50–62%) were malpositioned. When an adequate position was defined as mid/low superior vena cava, cavo‐atrial junction or high right atrium (≤ 2 cm from cavo‐atrial junction), 49 (20.5%; 95% CI 16–26%) catheters were malpositioned. These malposition rates are significantly lower than our own historical data, which used a ‘blind’ anthropometric technique to guide peripherally inserted central catheter insertion.     

The Comparison in Terms of Early Complications of a New Technique and Percutaneous Method for the Placement of CAPD Catheters

Background. Starting continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) immediately after insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter is essential in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In relation to the insertion methods, various mechanical and infectious complications may arise. In this study, we aimed to compare early complications of the laparoscopic tunneling method of CAPD placement that we developed recently in order to minimize the complications, with those of the conventional percutaneous method. Subjects and method. Included in this study were 12 consecutive patients with ESRD to whom we introduced catheters for CAPD by way of laparoscopic tunneling between April 2003 and July 2003 and followed up for at least 6 months, and 30 patients to whom the catheters were placed percutaneously in the same time period with the same follow-up time. The complications seen during the first 6 months after catheter placement with these two different methods were compared. Results. In all of the subjects, dialysis was started soon after catheter placement. No per-operative morbidity was seen in any of the patients. While with laparoscopic tunneling method no mechanical problem was seen, the percutaneous method resulted in early leakage in 10%, pericatheter bleeding in 3.3%, and hernia in 3.3% of the patients. As infectious complications, peritonitis occurred as one episode/36 patient-months in laparoscopic tunneling and one episode/22.5 patient-months in percutaneous method; catheter insertion site infection was seen in none in the laparoscopic method, while one episode/90patient-months was seen with the percutaneous method. Tunnel infection did not arise in any of the subjects. Conclusion. The authors of this study think that the peritoneal tunneling method for introducing CAPD, which has been recently developed and began to be routinely used by them, is rather safe in terms of early complications.     

Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion can be accomplished by any 1 of 3 techniques. These include dissective or surgical, the blind or modified Seldinger, and laparoscopic techniques. The dissective technique solely utilized by surgeons, places the catheter by mini-laparotomy under general anesthesia. In the blind or modified Seldinger technique a needle is inserted into the abdomen, a guide-wire placed, a tract dilated and the catheter is inserted through a split-sheath, all without visualization of the peritoneal cavity. Of the various laparoscopes, peritoneoscopic insertion uses a small optical peritoneoscope for direct inspection of the peritoneal cavity and identification of a suitable site for the intraperitoneal portion of the catheter. Hence, of the 3 techniques, only the latter allows for the direct visualization of the intraperitoneal structures. This technique can be easily used by nephrologists as well as surgeons. Peritoneoscopic placement varies from traditional laparoscopic techniques by using: a much smaller scope (2.2 mm diameter) and puncture size, only one peritoneal puncture site, a device to advance the cuff into the musculature, air in the peritoneum rather than CO2, and local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. Prospective randomized and nonrandomized studies have shown that PD catheters peritoneoscopically placed by nephrologists have less incidence of complications (infection, exit site leak) and longer catheter survival rates than those inserted surgically. The current review focuses on the peritoneoscopic insertion of PD catheter and presents some of the complicating issues (bowel perforation, catheter migration, and prior abdominal surgery) related to this procedure.     

Videolaparoscopy as rescue therapy and placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters: a thirty-two case single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Malfunction of the peritoneal catheter is a frequent complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Videolaparoscopy is a minimal invasive technique that allows rescue therapy of malfunctioning catheters and consecutive immediate resumption of PD. Furthermore, Tenckhoff catheters can be safely positioned in patients with previous abdominal surgery. We analysed the clinical diagnosis, videolaparoscopic treatment and the outcome of PD patients on whom videolaparoscopic interventions had been performed at our centre. METHODS: Thirty-two cases of videolaparoscopic interventions were performed for salvage of malfunctioning peritoneal catheters, implantation and abdominal surgical interventions in 25 PD patients. The videolaparoscope was inserted through a mini-laparotomy site of 15 mm diameter which was closed with purse-string sutures at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Videolaparoscopy was used in 21 cases of catheter malfunction mostly due to omental wrapping (12 cases) and dislocation (five cases). In eight patients with previous surgical abdominal interventions, laparoscopic placement of the PD catheter was performed. In two cases the gall bladder was removed. One case of intestinal occlusion was evaluated laparoscopically in an attempt to minimize invasive surgery. Leakage of the peritoneal fluid presented the only complication caused by insufficient closure of one mini-laparotomy site. Minimal follow-up time of rescued catheters was 5 months. Videolaparoscopy prolonged PD catheter function by a median of 163 days (range 5-1469 days). CONCLUSIONS: Videolaparoscopy prolongs peritoneal catheter survival by treating directly the causes of malfunction. In patients with preceding abdominal interventions, the PD catheter can be placed safely even in cases necessitating surgical preparation like adhesiolysis.