Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
11:17

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: February 27, 2026

Thoracoscopic repair for a pleuroperitoneal communication in a child on peritoneal dialysis

Martin L van Niekerk1, Andre Visser

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. mlvanniekerk@axxess.co.za

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. Part A
|February 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Massive hydrothorax, a rare complication in children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), was successfully treated. Thoracoscopic repair of pleuroperitoneal communication is recommended for pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Medical Complications

Background:

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a treatment for pediatric kidney failure.
  • Massive hydrothorax is a rare but serious complication of CAPD.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this complication.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old child on CAPD developed acute hydrothorax shortly after initiating dialysis.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed by thoracocentesis, identifying high glucose in pleural fluid compared to serum.
  • The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Findings:

  • A pleuroperitoneal communication was identified and surgically repaired.
  • The child recovered well and CAPD was resumed one week post-surgery.
  • This case highlights the successful management of a rare complication.

Implications:

  • Thoracoscopic repair is an effective first-choice treatment for pleuroperitoneal communications in children.
  • This approach minimizes invasiveness and allows for prompt resumption of dialysis.
  • Further research into preventing hydrothorax in pediatric CAPD patients is warranted.

More Related Videos

Laparoscopic-Assisted Seldinger Technique for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion06:23

Laparoscopic-Assisted Seldinger Technique for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion

Published on: May 23, 2025

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion03:22

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Published on: November 10, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure01:30

Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a procedure that facilitates the exchange of solutes, waste products, electrolytes, and excess fluid between the blood in the peritoneal capillaries and a dialysis solution introduced into the peritoneal cavity.Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)Diffusion: Waste products such as urea and electrolytes move from high concentrations in the blood to low concentrations in the dialysate across the peritoneal membrane. This mechanism is driven by the concentration...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy01:30

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy

Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...