One-year outcomes of percutaneous continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion by nephrologists: First experience from Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Continuous ambulatory peritonealdialysis (CAPD) via a catheter placed in the peritoneum is an established mode of renal replacement therapy. CAPD catheters are placed using either percutaneous or surgical techniques. Percutaneous method is less invasive and avoids the need for general anaesthesia, surgical space, and expertise. This study was conducted to measure one-year outcomes of percutaneous CAPD catheter insertions performed by a nephrology team; the first experience from Sri Lanka.Methods: We retrospectively studied 96 patients in two centers, who underwent percutaneous CAPD catheter insertion over two years with a follow-up period of minimum one year. The catheter was placed using modified Seldinger technique under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance.Results: Majority were males (78.1%) with a median age of 56 years. Most were on haemodialysis (HD) (85.4%) prior to CAPD catheter insertion. The commonest reason for opting for CAPD was to avoid hospital visits for HD (54.2%). During the follow-up of one year, 85.4% were free of complications. Frequent non-infectious complications were catheter removal (12.5%), visceral injury (4.2%), primary insertion failure (4.2%), and catheter dysfunction (2.1%). Pre-training peritonitis was found in 2.1% with an overall peritonitis rate of 0.4 episodes per patient a year. There was no significant association between catheter-related complications and gender (p=0.68), previous abdominal surgery (p=0.54), diabetes mellitus (p=0.84), and hypertension (p=0.46). One-year catheter survival was 92%.Discussion: One-year outcomes of percutaneous CAPD catheter insertion by nephrologists were efficacious and safe with low complication rates. Hence, CAPD catheter insertion by well-trained nephrologists should be encouraged. Further studies comparing percutaneous versus surgical catheter placement are warranted.