The laparoscopic option in the management of peritoneal dialysis catheter revision

Background: Long-term functioning of peritoneal dialysis catheters (PDCs) depends on maintenance of pelvic positioning and prevention of the formation of adhesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of laparoscopy as a tool for the correction of malfunctioning PDCs and to introduce our specially designed technique. Methods: The charts of 12 patients who underwent laparoscopic revisions of malfunctioning PDCs between May 1997 and June 2000 were reviewed for perioperative complications and long-term outcomes. We describe the causes of malfunction of PDCs and the laparoscopic technique for their revision. Results: Of the 12 patients studied, the malfunction of eight catheters resulted from migration of the catheter into the upper abdomen. In 4 patients, formation of adhesion of either small bowel or omentum resulted in the malfunction of the PDC. The only complication we encountered was bleeding. It occurred in 3 patients, 1 of whom needed reoperation in order to achieve hemostasis. Over a median follow-up of 21 months all PDCs treated this way are functioning. Conclusions: The laparoscopic management of malfunctioning PDCs is a valid option for the treatment of such a complication.