Mini‐laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter: New technique

Abstract

Background: Leakage remains a problem with all methods of catheter placement. We describe our experience with a new mini‐laparoscopic technique for catheter placement in patients with end‐stage renal failure.Patients and methods: Between May 2002 and March 2004, 24 patients underwent mini‐laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters. All patients had end‐stage renal failure with difficult vascular access for haemodialysis. There were 11 men and 13 women with a mean age of 51.4 years (range: 18–75 years). Operative time, interval to initiation of successful peritoneal dialysis, postoperative pain management, resumption of diet and postoperative complications were recorded.Results: The mean operative time was 32.3 min (range: 15–40 min). All patients were given a normal diet on the day of surgery. Postoperative pain was controlled with paracetamol tablets three times daily for 2–3 days. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range: 3–4 days). No patients developed leakage either from the ports or around the catheter. Two (8.3%) patients had blockage of the catheter and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic correction. Two (8.3%) patients had migration of the catheter which required laparoscopic repositioning. The follow‐up range was between 2 and 22 months.Conclusion: Mini‐laparoscopic technique for placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter is unique because it uses only two ports. The catheter is made to exit via a 2 mm port site and does not require specially designed instruments.