Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation using a Tenckhoff trocar under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide gas insufflation

LAPAROSCOPIC PERITONEAL DIALYSIS CATHETER PLACEMENT WITH RECTUS SHEATH TUNNELING: A ONE-PORT SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE

BACKGROUND

The success of peritoneal dialysis depends on the proper placement and functional longevity of the dialysis catheter. Laparoscopic implantation of a catheter through a rectus sheath tunneling can minimize the risks of catheter failure.

AIMS

This study aims to describe one-port simplified technique for laparoscopic placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter with rectus sheath tunneling.

METHODS

The simplified laparoscopic insertion of a Tenckhoff catheter with rectus sheath tunneling was performed in 16 patients with chronic renal failure.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, no major complications occurred. Three patients were excluded. One was referred to the renal transplant some weeks after implantation, and one died for other reasons during the follow-up. Another patient needed adhesiolysis due to previous surgery, so an additional port was necessary. The other 13 catheters worked properly, and no postoperative hemorrhage, early leaks, hernia, or catheter migration occurred. One patient had a tunnel infection 11 months after the implant. No peritonitis was observed during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique is simple, reproducible, and safe, with good results in catheter function, few complications, and a high catheter survival rate. It does not require a special device or trocar and avoids excessive port sites.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine on peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion

PURPOSE

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a sedative agent with minimal respiratory and hemodynamic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate its effectiveness in peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent PD catheter insertion under spinal anesthesia in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. Patients were divided into the DEX and non-DEX groups according the use of DEX. After 1:1 propensity score matching to adjust for age, sex, body mass index, mean blood pressure (BP), and Charlson comorbidity index, we compared operation-related outcomes, including peak numerical rating scale (NRS), occurrence of nausea, vital signs, or operative time between the two groups.

RESULTS

Of a total of 44 patients, 9 patients received DEX, and 35 did not. After propensity score matching, each group consisted of 8 patients. Peak NRS was significantly lower (P = 0.003) in the DEX group compared with the non-DEX group. Maximum mean BP during the operation was also significantly lower in the DEX group compared with the non-DEX group (P = 0.020), with no significant differences in minimum mean BP between the two groups (P = 0.831). The DEX group showed a trend of shortened operative time (P = 0.068). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of nausea (P = 1.000). Moreover, there was no clinically important adverse event associated with use of DEX.

CONCLUSION

The use of DEX in PD catheter insertion under spinal anesthesia could safely improve operative analgesia.

A half-percutaneous technique for peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation using a modified trocar: a report of 84 cases

PURPOSE

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter implantation is necessary for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to maintain continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD). In this study, we aimed to introduce a half-percutaneous technique based on a modified trocar device for the placement of a PD catheter and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique and its associated short-term postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Eighty-four ESRD patients who underwent PD catheter implantation with the half-percutaneous technique were recruited retrospectively between September 2016 and October 2017 from the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. All catheter implantation procedures were performed by the same three nephrologists. The surgical protocol was described in detail, and the general intraoperative parameters and short-term complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

All ESRD patients underwent successful PD catheterization with our novel technique. Neither conversion from this method to traditional open surgery nor major intraoperative complications were observed. The mean operative time was 20.8 ± 4.5 min, and the incision length was 2.28 ± 0.53 cm. The operative cost was CN ¥ 1762.45 (US $261), and the length of hospital stay was 7.5 ± 0.58 days. One patient (1.19%) showed leakage, and one patient (1.19%) experienced bleeding 2 weeks after the surgery. Catheter dysfunction due to catheter tip migration occurred in nine patients (10.7%) 2 weeks after the procedure, and the placement of the catheter was corrected with conservative treatment. No visceral injuries or PD-related infections were observed up to 4 weeks after the catheters were implanted.

CONCLUSIONS

This half-percutaneous technique for PD catheter implantation appears to be a safe, effective and feasible procedure. This technique has the advantages of reduced surgical trauma, a shorter operative time and faster postsurgical recovery. In particular, this novel technique is easy for nephrologists to perform and therefore may help to promote and popularize PD treatment.

Advanced Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal methodology of establishing access for peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains controversial. Previously published randomized controlled trials and cohort studies do not demonstrate an advantage for 1 technique over another. Four published meta-analyses comparing outcomes of laparoscopic versus open PD catheter (PDC) insertion have given inconsistent conclusions and are flawed since they group basic and advanced laparoscopy together. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine whether advanced laparoscopic interventions consisting of rectus sheath tunneling and adjunctive procedures produce a better outcome than open insertion or basic laparoscopy used only to verify the catheter position.

METHODS

A literature search using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database was performed, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.5 software (Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). Outcomes evaluated incidence of catheter obstruction, migration, pericannular leak, hernia, infectious complications (peritonitis and exit-site infection) and catheter survival.

RESULTS

Of the 467 records identified, 7 cohort studies, including 1,045 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. When advanced laparoscopy was compared with open insertion, a significant reduction was observed in the incidence of catheter obstruction (odds ratio [OR] 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03 - 0.63; p = 0.01), catheter migration (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.06 - 0.26; p = 0.00001), pericannular leak (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11 - 0.64; p = 0.003), and pericannular and incisional hernias (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09 - 0.94; p = 0.04), as well as better 1- and 2-year catheter survival (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28 - 0.97; p = 0.04 and OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28 - 0.92; p = 0.03, respectively). Compared with basic laparoscopy, catheter obstruction and migration were significantly lower in the advanced laparoscopic group, whereas catheter survival was similar in both groups. All outcomes, except catheter obstruction, were similar between the basic laparoscopy and open insertion. The infectious complications such as peritonitis and exit-site infections were similar between the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced laparoscopy was associated with a significant superior outcome in comparison with open insertion and basic laparoscopy.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion Technique: A Comparative Study of Percutaneous versus Surgical Insertion

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a standard renal replacement therapy, but there is a lack of consensus for catheter insertion method and type of catheter used. We retrospectively analyzed 140 peritoneal dialysis catheters (PDC) inserted in 139 CAPD patients by two methods; percutaneous (Group “P,” n = 47) and surgical mini laparotomy (Group “S,” n = 93) technique over a 39-month period, with cumulative experience of 2415 catheter-months: 745 catheter-months for Group “P” and 1670 catheter-months for Group “S.” Break-in period was shorter in Group “P” (P = 0.002) whereas primary nonfunction rate was comparable (P = 0.9). The mean catheter survival was better in Group “S” (17.95 ± 10.96 months vs. 15.85 ± 9.41 months in “P” group, P = 0.05) whereas the death-censored and overall catheter survival was comparable in both groups. PDC removal due to refractory peritonitis was also comparable. Mechanical complications were more in “P” group (P = 0.049), leading to higher catheter removal (P = 0.033). The peritonitis rates were higher in “P” group (1 episode per 24.8 catheter-months vs. 1 episode per 34.8 catheter-months in “S” group, P = 0.026) and related to a higher number of rural patients in the group (P = 0.04). Patient survival was comparable. There was no effect on episodes of peritonitis in those CAPD patients who had diabetic etiology or prior hemodialysis catheter-related sepsis, age, and PDC insertion method.

Introduction of a new laparoscopic trocar for insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters and making a proper rectus sheath tunneling

BACKGROUND

Using a proper laparoscopic trocar for making a downward rectus sheet tunneling (RSHT) during the implementation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters leads to a longer survival of catheter and less catheter dysfunction. As no specific laparoscopic trocar has been invented for insertion of PD catheters, we designed a new trocar. In this article, we describe specifications of our new invented trocar for the first time. We will describe our experience with it in our patients as well.

METHODS

The new stainless steel trocar includes a cannula and a mandarin. The cannula consists of a tube pipe and head. The tube pipe is so long that is proper for rectus sheet tunneling, and its internal diameter is fitted for easy passage of the catheter with its cuffs. The head consists of two steel parts holding a unidirectional plastic valve preventing backflow of the air. The mandarin section includes a sharp shaft and a metal cap. The distal end of the mandarin is an atraumatic conical tip which was designed to make a safe RSHT.

RESULTS

A total of 30 PD catheters were successfully implanted through 30 laparoscopic procedures in 12 males and 18 females (mean age 48.16 ± 14.18 years). All catheters were successfully inserted without any intraoperative complication. Exit-site infection, peri-catheter leakage, and outflow failure were found in two, one, and one patient, respectively. We did not find any inflow failure, catheter malpositioning, migration, or kinking. No other complication was observed during the 1-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The new designed PD trocar is a proper port for laparoscopic implantation of the peritoneal dialysis catheter. It is a safe and easy handle trocar that helps surgeons to make an appropriate rectus sheath tunneling with minimal complications.

Analysis of Hospitalization after Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Implantation

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BACKGROUND

Implantation of the peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC), usually an elective procedure, may necessitate unexpected hospitalization and even transfer to intensive care due to the multiple comorbidities and inherent instability of the end-stage renal disease patient. Information on hospitalization after PDC implantation is limited and details about the reason for hospitalization are lacking. ♦

METHODS

We performed a cohort study in consecutive patients who underwent PDC implantation at a single institution from September 2007 to September 2013. Clinical characteristics of enrolled patients, technique of the implantation procedure, and all-cause unexpected hospitalization and morbidity within 14 days after implantation were analyzed. ♦

RESULTS

Excluding the patients with pre-arranged admission, a total of 246 patients receiving 252 PDC implantations during the 6 years were studied. After 39 procedures (15.5%), patients had an unexpected hospital stay or re-admission due to operative complications (33.3%), worsening of disease (35.9%), or a single-night hospital stay for observation (30.8%). Compared with discharged patients, the patients with unexpected hospitalization were older (p = 0.001), experienced higher rates of previous episodes of heart failure (p = 0.006) and heart disease (p < 0.001), had more use of general anesthesia (GA) (p = 0.046), underwent more added procedures during the implantation (p = 0.02), and had more episodes of flow obstruction and peritonitis after implantation (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Using a multivariable logistic regression, we showed that age, cardiac morbidity, use of general anesthesia, PDC flow problems and peritonitis after implantation were independent predictors of all-cause unexpected hospitalization. ♦

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, our study analyzed the predictors of unplanned hospitalization after PDC implantation and identified the salient risk factors. Increased focus to identify patients at greatest risk for hospitalization, evaluation of processes of care, and implementation of preventive strategies may be helpful to reduce unplanned hospitalization after catheter insertion.

Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion using nitrous oxide under procedural sedation

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter (LPDC) implantation using nitrous oxide (N2O) pneumoperitoneum under procedural sedation is a technique that has many advantages over conventional insertion methods. The purpose of this study was to review the LPDC insertion results at our center.

METHODS

Data from 87 consecutive patients who underwent LPDC insertion was retrospectively reviewed. All procedures were attempted under procedural sedation. After patients received intravenous and local anesthesia, a N2O pneumoperitoneum was established. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters were advanced using rectus sheath tunneling. The position of the catheter was confirmed by laparoscope, and adjunct procedures such as omentopexy and adhesiolysis were performed on select patients to prevent catheter flow problems.

RESULTS

Nitrous oxide was well tolerated by 94 % of the patients. Only five patients required conversion to general anesthesia. After a mean follow-up of 18.2 months, mechanical complications included pericatheter/incision leakage (12.62 %), flow obstruction (4.60 %), incision/exit site hernia (3.45 %), hemoperitoneum (2.30 %), pleuroperitoneal fistula (1.15 %), scrotal leak (1.15 %), and migration (1.15 %). Infectious complications included exit site infection (1 episode per 312.95 patient-months) and peritonitis (1 episode per 31.93 patient-months). Revision-free catheter survival was 97.6 % after 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic implantation of a PD catheter with N2O pneumoperitoneum and local anesthesia is safe and effective in patients with severe renal failure. N2O is an inert gas and better tolerated as an insufflation agent, enabling awake procedures. Our results show that catheter-related functional outcomes are comparable to those in the existing literature. This approach can be recommended as a good option for catheter implantation in patients needing dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation by nephrologists is associated with higher rates of peritoneal dialysis utilization: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The likelihood of peritoneal dialysis (PD) utilization following a PD catheter insertion attempt is poorly described. We explored the risk factors for PD nonuse, focusing on the method of PD catheter implantation.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective cohort study employed Ontario administrative health data to identify 3886 predialysis adults who had an incident PD catheter implantation between 2002 and 2010. The impact of the method of catheter implantation including open-surgical (open, n = 1884), surgical-laparoscopic (laparoscopic, n = 1154), nephrology-percutaneous (nephrology, n = 498) and radiology-percutaneous (radiology, n = 350) on rates of PD utilization (defined as four consecutive weeks of PD) was examined.

RESULTS

Eighty-three percent of study patients received PD. After adjustment, relative to patients with openly inserted catheters, PD utilization was greater for those with nephrology-inserted catheters [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-1.95] and similar for radiology-inserted catheters [aHR 1.16, 95% CI 0.94-1.43] or laparoscopic-inserted catheters [aHR 0.97 (95% CI 0.86-1.09)]. Among PD nonusers, death occurred in 10% of the open group, 6% of the laparoscopic group, 27% of the radiology group and in fewer than 3% of the nephrology group. Sixty-nine percent received hemodialysis in the open group, 63% in the laparoscopic group, 61% in the radiology group and 88% in the nephrology group. Those remaining predialysis comprised 12% of the open group, 22% of the laparoscopic group, 11% of the radiology group and <3% of the nephrology group.

CONCLUSIONS

Nephrology insertion resulted in lower overall rates of PD nonuse, particularly due to death or remaining predialysis. Greater use may be related to insertion timing, technique or greater commitment on the part of nephrologists to the success of PD.

Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) insertion: does it really make a difference?

Permanent peritoneal dialysis (PD) access was first described and introduced in clinical practice more than 40 years ago. It is still undergoing modification and adaptation to various insertion techniques. PD Catheter insertion is commonly performed via one of the three techniques: (a) open surgical, (b) fluoroscopic-guided placement or blind percutaneous placements using a modified Seldinger technique and (c) minimally invasive. Catheter placement is thought to be the key to a successful PD programme and the economic advantages are lost if a patient switches to HD during the 1st year due to failure of PD. The objective of this document was to conduct an evidence-based assessment of a minimally invasive approach to PD catheter insertion, with particular regard to failure rates secondary to catheter dysfunction. Case series and randomised controlled trials suggest that laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters is safe, and useful for insertion of PD catheters in patients who have undergone previous abdominal surgery. An overall success rate of 90% with a less than 5% associated leak rate has been quoted, although a cost benefit analysis has not been performed. However, good grade I evidence is lacking and open surgery may be quicker, though results from on-going trial are awaited with interest.

Preperitoneal tunneling-a novel technique in peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion

INTRODUCTION

This study describes a new preperitoneal tunneling (PPT) method for inserting a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC), thereby lessening surgical complications and increasing the catheter's survival.

METHODS

This new technique was used in 23 cases from December 2005 to January 2007 and followed up until March 2011 (63 months). The procedure was performed laparoscopically under local (16 cases) or general (7 cases) anesthesia by one surgeon. Catheter survival is reported by Kaplan-Meyer analysis.

RESULTS

The catheters were mechanically obstructed in 2/23 cases (8.7%); and were withdrawn due to a peritonitis in 2 cases and inadequacy of peritoneal dialysis in 1 case. Ten patients received kidney transplantation and six died before completing this follow-up period. The patients still reaped the benefits of the PDC until receiving a kidney transplant or death. The 5-year survival rate of the catheter was 89%. No incidence of catheter migration, omental wrapping, herniation or leakage was noticed.

CONCLUSION

Preperitoneal tunneling is a simple and safe method for insertion of PDC, and can effectively prevent catheter migration, dislocation and omental wrapping.

Peritoneal full-conditioning reduces postoperative adhesions and pain: a randomised controlled trial in deep endometriosis surgery

BACKGROUND

To translate the concept of full-conditioning (FC) from animal experiments to the human, and to evaluate the efficacy for adhesion prevention. FC consisted of decreasing acute inflammation by 86% CO2+ 10% N2O + 4% O2 for the pneumoperitoneum, cooling of the peritoneal cavity, humidification, heparinized rinsing solution and 5 mg of dexamethasone as demonstrated in animal models.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial (RCT: NCT01344486) comparing standard laparoscopy with full conditioning together with a barrier in a 2/3 ratio in 44 women undergoing deep endometriosis surgery at KULeuven. The primary aim was reduction of adhesions. Secondary aims were CO2 resorption, postoperative pain and recovery. Randomization was performed after signing informed consent. Adhesion scoring during second look laparoscopy and pain scoring were done blindly.

RESULTS

In the FC group (n = 16) adhesions were completely prevented in 12/16 women whereas in the control group (n = 11) all women had severe adhesions (P < 0.0005). Also the area, density and severity of adhesions were less. (P <0.001). In the control group, severity, density and area of adhesions were strongly interrelated (P = 0.0001 for all areas) suggesting a common enhancing factor. In the FC group CO2 resorption (P < 0.001), postoperative pain (P < 0.001), and CRP concentrations (P < 0.01) were lower while clinical recovery was faster (P < 0.0001) and time to first flatus (P < 0.002) shorter.

IN CONCLUSION

This translational research confirms in the human the efficacy of FC in reducing CO2 resorption and adhesions with in addition less postoperative pain, lower postoperative CRP concentrations and an accelerated recovery.

Regional anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery: a narrative review

Laparoscopic surgery has advanced remarkably in recent years, resulting in reduced morbidity and shorter hospital stay compared with open surgery. Despite challenges from the expanding array of laparoscopic procedures performed with the use of pneumoperitoneum on increasingly sick patients, anesthesia has remained largely unchanged. At present, most laparoscopic operations are usually performed under general anesthesia, except for patients deemed "too sick" for general anesthesia. Recently, however, several large, retrospective studies questioned the widely held belief that general anesthesia is the best anesthetic method for laparoscopic surgery and suggested that regional anesthesia could also be a reasonable choice in certain settings. This narrative review is an attempt to critically summarize current evidence on regional anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery. Because most available data come from large, retrospective studies, large, rigorous, prospective clinical trials comparing regional vs. general anesthesia are needed to evaluate the true value of regional anesthesia in laparoscopic surgery.

A modified method in laparoscopic peritoneal catheter implantation: the combination of preperitoneal tunneling and pelvic fixation

Introduction. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is widely accepted for the management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although not as widely used as hemodialysis, CAPD has clear advantages, especially those related to patient satisfaction and simplicity. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion can be accomplished by several different techniques. In this study, we aimed to evaluate our results obtained with peritoneal dialysis catheter placement by combination of pelvic fixation plus preperitoneal tunneling. Material and Methods. Laparoscopic peritoneal catheter implantation by combining preperitoneal tunneling and pelvic fixation methods was performed in 82 consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease. Sex, age, primary disease etiology, complications, mean duration of surgery, mean duration of hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and catheter survival rates and surgical technique used were assessed. Analysis of catheter survival was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. Mean follow-up period was 28.35 ± 14.5 months (range of 13–44 months). Mean operative time was 28 ± 6 minutes, and mean duration of hospital stay was 3 ± 1 days. There were no conversions from laparoscopy to other insertion methods. None of the patients developed serious complications during surgery or the postoperative period. No infections of the exit site or subcutaneous tunnel, hemorrhagic complications, abdominal wall hernias, or extrusion of the superficial catheter cuff was detected. No mortality occurred in this series of patients. Catheter survival was found to be 92% at 3 years followup. Conclusions. During one-year followup, we had seven patients of migrated catheters due to separation of pelvic fixation suture from peritoneal surface, but they were reimplanted and fixated again laparoscopically with success. Over a three-year followup period, catheter survival was found to be 92%. In the literature, similar catheter survival rates without combination of the two techniques are reported. As a conclusion, although laparoscopic placement of PD catheters avoids many perioperative and early complications, as well as increasing catheter free survival period and quality of life, our results comparing to other studies in the literature indicate that different laparoscopic placement methods are still in debate, and further studies are necessary to make a more accurate decision.

Our long-term results of Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheters placement via laparoscopic preperitoneal tunneling technique

Previously we described the technique to lessen complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and to achieve immediate use of the catheter. In this study we evaluated our long-term results of the technique. A total of 61 procedures were carried out in 58 patients from September 2003 to February 2009. All patients were followed in our hospital CAPD clinic. Demographic, medical, operative, postoperative, and other information regarding complications and continued patient management was obtained retrospectively from the patients' medical records and entered into a computerized database. There were 33 men and 25 women. The mean age was 58 years. In 29 of the 58 patients indication of catheter placement was end stage renal failure combined with diabetes mellitus. Mean follow-up time was 33.31 ± 20.11 months. Catheter related complications were outflow obstruction (n=3, 5.2%) and peritonitis (n=2, 3.4%). Etiologies of catheter removal were out flow obstruction (n=2), recovery from renal disease (n=2), peritonitis (n=1), and pregnancy (n=1). The mean catheter survival time was found 5.57 ± 0.17 years. Our long-term results showed that the method ensured accurate placement, preperitoneal fixation, and immediate use of the catheter for routine peritoneal dialysis. Preperitoneal fixation of the catheter decreased outflow obstruction over long-term follow-up.

A brief recap of tips and surgical manoeuvres to enhance optimal outcome of surgically placed peritoneal dialysis catheters

Background. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective option of renal replacement therapy for ESRF, offering advantages over haemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) placement is thought to be the key to successful PD and the economic advantages are lost if a patient switches to HD in the 1st year. This paper is a brief document elaborating a recap of published literature, looking at various surgical tips and manoeuvres to enhance optimal outcome of PDC placement. Methods. A search strategy assessing for access team, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, type of catheter, catheter exit site, intraoperative catheter trial, optimal time to commence PD, hernia repairs, number of cuffs, catheter-embedding procedures, rectus sheath tunnelling, laparoscopic fixing, omentopexy, omentectomy, the "Y"-Tec system, resection of epiploic appendages, adhesiolysis, a trained surgeon, and perioperative catheter care protocol was used looking at various databases. Findings. The complications of catheterrelated dysfunction can be reduced with advanced planning of access placement, immaculate surgery, and attention to catheter insertion techniques. Conclusion. The success of a peritoneal dialysis programme depends upon functional and durable long term access to the peritoneal cavity; this depends on placement techniques and competent surgeons and psychosocial support to the patient. The various technical tips and manoeuvres elaborated here should be considered options carried out to improve outcome and reduce catheter dysfunction.

Laparoscopic versus open peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion, the LOCI-trial: a study protocol

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. It allows patients more freedom to perform daily activities compared to haemodialysis. Key to successful PD is the presence of a well-functioning dialysis catheter. Several complications, such as in- and outflow obstruction, peritonitis, exit-site infections, leakage and migration, can lead to catheter removal and loss of peritoneal access. Currently, different surgical techniques are in practice for PD-catheter placement. The type of insertion technique used may greatly influence the occurrence of complications. In the literature, up to 35% catheter failure has been described when using the open technique and only 13% for the laparoscopic technique. However, a well-designed randomized controlled trial is lacking.

Methods/Design

The LOCI-trial is a multi-center randomized controlled, single-blind trial (pilot). The study compares the laparoscopic with the open technique for PD catheter insertion. The primary objective is to determine the optimum placement technique in order to minimize the incidence of catheter malfunction at 6 weeks postoperatively. Secondary objectives are to determine the best approach to optimize catheter function and to study the quality of life at 6 months postoperatively comparing the two operative techniques.

Discussion

This study will generate evidence on any benefits of laparoscopic versus open PD catheter insertion.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register NTR2878

[Complications after placement of peritoneal catheter]

INTRODUCTION

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the modalities used for treatment of end-stage chronic kidney failure. Nowadays, this method is complementary to haemodialysis and renal transplantation. Owing to the rich vascularization of the peritoneum, it is used in the processes of osmosis and diffusion, enabling the removal of uremic material from the body. The procedure includes introduction of peritoneal fluid via the peritoneal catheter.

COMPLICATIONS

The catheter is placed through the anterior abdominal wall with its tip positioned in the small pelvis. There are several techniques for catheter placement considered minimally invasive, which, however, may be associated with various complications. These complications can be divided into mechanical (catheter dysfunction, cuff protrusion, hernia, dialysate leaks, visceral perforation) and infectious (early peritonitis, exit site or tunnel infection, surgical wounds). In most cases, such complications are rare and can be successfully managed using conservative therapy; however, in some situations severe complications can endanger the life of the patient. On-time recognition of complications, particularly in patients at risk, is of paramount importance for an effective treatment. The development of complications can increase the morbidity and the chance of treatment failure, and therefore transfer to haemodialysis.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative evaluation and determination of the risk factors as well as the early recognition and adequate management of complications are essential in their prevention.

Dissociative conscious sedation, an alternative to general anesthesia for laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation: a randomized trial comparing intravenous and subcutaneous ketamine

Laparoscopy is an effective method of implantation for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters. Use of the laparoscopic technique is increasing because of its potential advantages over other techniques. In most patients, selection for PD is based on negative criteria, and because of the need for general anesthesia, the laparoscopic technique can be life-threatening in these patients. On the other hand, local anesthesia is insufficient for laparoscopic catheter implantation. To avoid the need for general anesthesia and to achieve patient safety and satisfaction, we designed a type of conscious sedation (dissociative conscious sedation) and compared the efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) ketamine added to narcotics in patients scheduled for laparoscopic implantation of a PD catheter.

METHODS

Our prospective randomized double-blind study enrolled 60 adult patients with chronic renal failure who were scheduled for laparoscopic implantation of a PD catheter. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving IV ketamine, and the other receiving SC ketamine. In both groups, patients were premedicated with IV midazolam 0.015 mg/kg, fentanyl 1-2 μg/kg, and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg. Patients then received 0.6 mg/kg ketamine either intravenously (IV group) or by subcutaneous injection at the anterior aspect of the forearm (SC group). If systolic blood pressure (BP) increased more than 20% from baseline or exceeded 170 mmHg, IV nitroglycerine (TNG) 50 μg was administered incrementally (repeated 50-μg doses). After a desirable level of conscious sedation was achieved, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide pneumoperitoneum were applied, and the PD catheter was implanted under laparoscopic guidance. Heart rate and BP were measured throughout the procedure. Adverse effects and recovery events were recorded.

RESULTS

All patients tolerated the procedure well. Administration of TNG was significantly more frequent in the IV ketamine group. Pain intensity during the surgery was similar in both groups. Both groups were comparable with regard to heart rate, but patients in the SC ketamine group had a significantly lower systolic BP at the 2nd measurement and a lower rate-pressure product at the 2nd, 4th, and 5th measurements. All patients in the SC ketamine group were cooperative during surgery and experienced uneventful recoveries; mild hallucinations were observed in 5 patients in the IV ketamine group. In the IV ketamine group, 3 patients lost the ability to cooperate during surgery. All catheters were successfully placed.

CONCLUSIONS

Dissociative conscious sedation is an acceptable alternative to general anesthesia in laparoscopic implantation of the PD catheter. Ketamine by the SC route is as effective as, but safer than, IV ketamine.

Who should place peritoneal dialysis catheters?

BACKGROUND

Nephrologists are often thwarted in their attempts to grow their peritoneal dialysis programs because of suboptimal surgeon performance in placing catheters. A rallying call is heard among nephrologists to step up to the role of dialysis access providers.

OBJECTIVE

What factors influence the practicability of nephrologists becoming primary dialysis access providers? Why have surgeons failed their task and can anything motivate them to change their performance and improve outcomes?

METHODS

While the issues are universal, this analysis focuses on current practice data from the United States. Evidence reviewed includes dialysis center size and annual new starts, profile of specialties performing catheter placement, nephrology workforce capacity, catheter implantation methodology, resource utilization for peritoneal access, and surgeon performance.

RESULTS

The current nephrology workforce is running at maximum capacity and fellowship training programs will struggle to meet additional demands. Nephrology training programs are often deficient in providing adequate experience in peritoneal dialysis management. Only 2.3% of peritoneal catheters are placed by nephrologists. The best catheter outcomes are produced by laparoscopic methods used by surgeons. Compared to other catheter placement techniques, laparoscopy enables a larger candidate pool of patients. Nonetheless, suboptimal surgical performances are related to inadequate training, low procedure volume, and poor reimbursement.

CONCLUSIONS

It is improbable that nephrologists can expand the scope of their practice to assume the additional role of dialysis access providers. The performance of the existing surgical workforce can be enhanced through medical society-sponsored educational activities, channeling access procedures to designated surgeons, and improved remuneration through outcomes-based incentive programs.

The Effects of Previous Abdominal Operations and Intraperitoneal Adhesions on the Outcome of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters

Background

Patients with previous history of abdominal operations are sometimes excluded from consideration for peritoneal dialysis because of concerns for increased risk of complications during the implantation procedure and inadequate dialysis due to reduced peritoneal surface area. Employing a laparoscopic approach, we compared the outcome of peritoneal dialysis catheters in 2 groups of patients with and without intra-abdominal adhesions.

Methods

All data in this report were recorded prospectively. Revision-free and overall survival of catheters, the incidence of mechanical and infectious complication, and surgical revision rates were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

In 217 successful catheter implantations, there was a history of previous abdominal surgery in 42.9% of procedures; only 26.9% of them had intraperitoneal adhesions; 2.8% of patients without history of previous abdominal surgery had intraperitoneal adhesions. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for 1- and 2-year revision-free and overall catheter survival, mechanical dysfunction, infectious complications, or surgical revision rates.

Conclusion

History of previous abdominal surgery should not be used to judge the eligibility of patients for peritoneal dialysis. Laparoscopic placement is the best way to ensure optimal catheter outcomes equivalent to patients without previous abdominal surgery.