Mini-laparoscopic placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter

The laparoscopic placement of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) catheters is now an accepted technique. We evaluated a new technique for CAPD catheter placement that requires only a single 2-mm port.

A pilot study was conducted at an academic minimally invasive surgery center. Seven consecutive patients in whom a CAPD catheter was required underwent placement of a 2-mm Veress port and a laparoscope. A carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was induced up to 14 mmHg. Under direct visualization with a 2-mm scope, a CAPD catheter was advanced over the right lower quadrant toward the pelvis using a modified Seldinger technique.

Seven patients (four women and three men) with end-stage renal disease underwent mini-laparoscopic placement of a CAPD catheter. Mean patient age was 35.3 +/- 11.3 years (range, 17-50). Mean operative time was 20.7 +/- 5.0 min (range, 14-29). Patients were dialyzed in the immediate postoperative period. No leaks were identified, and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

A mini-laparoscopic technique using a single 2-mm port and a modified Seldinger technique is feasible, safe, and effective for peritoneal dialysis catheter placements.