Laparoscopic-assisted peritoneal dialysis catheter placement: a microinvasive technique

Peritoneal dialysis is an alternate form of dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although not as widely used as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis (PD) has clear advantages, especially those related to patient satisfaction and simplicity. The purpose of our study was to describe and look at the results of a microinvasive technique for placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters under laparoscopy.

From August 2003 to January 2006, 12 patients with ESRD underwent laparoscopic-assisted peritoneal dialysis (LAPD) catheter placement with the microinvasive technique at our institution. Data collected included age, gender, underlying renal disease, and length of operation. Followup was completed for all patients (at least 6 months) and catheter-related morbidity and mortality were also analyzed.

There were 13 procedures performed (one patient had LAPD catheter placement twice). The average age was 45 years and the most common cause of ESRD was uncontrolled arterial hypertension. Procedural time averaged 33.6 min (range = 24–50 min). Peritoneal dialysis was introduced two weeks after the procedure and no dialysate leaks were observed. There were two catheter-related morbidities; both were catheter exit-site abscesses, one managed surgically with removal of the PD catheter and the other managed conservately with culture-sensitive antimicrobials. Patient satisfaction was beyond acceptable in 92% of the patients (12 of 13). Average longevity of the catheter was 61 weeks (427 days). There were no mortalities.

LAPD catheter placement is an easy technique with acceptable catheter longevity and minimal morbidity. The microinvasive technique leads to better patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome without affecting its function. Therefore, we believe that by promoting microinvasive LAPD catheter placement, PD will gain more acceptance among doctors and patients.