Outcomes of Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement Using an Optimal Placement Technique

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a widely employed renal replacement modality. A prospective study was conducted to determine the short-term and midterm outcomes and complication rates associated with a standardized optimal laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement technique. METHODS: All patients undergoing laparoscopic PD catheter placement by one surgeon using our standardized method over a 5-year period were entered into a prospective database. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively through office visits. Development of complications was assessed using follow up telephone or mail surveys. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with a mean age of 56 years underwent laparoscopic PD catheter placement over the 5-year study period. In total, 103 laparoscopic PD catheter placement attempts were made in 100 patients. Placement was successful in 98 (95.1%) attempts and no placement required conversion to an open operation. Omentopexy was performed in 82 (83.7%) patients. There was no mortality reported within 30 days of the index operation. For patients who successfully underwent laparoscopic PD placement, early complications developed in 9 (9.2%) patients, of which 6 (6.1%) complications were directly related to the PD catheter. Midterm complications developed in 25 (25.5%) patients. Complication-related catheter repositioning was required for 12 (12.2%) catheters and catheter-related complication removal was required for 18 (18.4%) catheters. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic placement of PD catheters can be successfully performed using a combination of described standardized laparoscopic maneuvers for optimal placement resulting in acceptable perioperative and short and midterm complication rates with negligible mortality rates.