The peritoneal dialysis catheter.

The results obtained from the positioning and management of the catheter for peritoneal dialysis depend on the techniques used, but also and above all, on the experience of the practitioners. A comparison between practitioners may help to change their convictions, as well as to further improve results, in the interests of patient welfare. This is the aim of these Best Practice Guidelines.

Peritoneal dialysis access: open versus laparoscopic surgical techniques.

Aim: To outline pros and cons with the open and laparoscopic techniques when placing peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters.

Background: Controversy exists regarding which technique, the open and laparoscopic, if any, is superior to the other. In addition, there is the question of which approach is best in rescuing malfunctioning PD catheters.

Videolaparoscopic catheter placement reduces contraindications to peritoneal dialysis.

Background: Videolaparoscopy is considered the reference method for peritoneal catheter placement in patients with previous abdominal surgery. The placement procedure is usually performed with at least two access sites: one for the catheter and the second for the laparoscope. Here, we describe a new one-port laparoscopic procedure that uses only one abdominal access site in patients not eligible for laparotomic catheter placement.

Giant mesenteric cyst of mesothelial origin in a haemodialysis patient with previous peritoneal dialysis therapy.

A 55-year-old female haemodialysis patient presented progressive abdominal liquid formation after having been excluded from peritoneal dialysis therapy because of recurrent peritonitis. Ultrasound was suspicious for ascites secondary to sclerosing peritonitis. Computed tomography revealed a thin-walled mesenteric cyst extending from the epigastric to the pelvic region.

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.