[Access of the abdominal cavity for treatment by continuous peritoneal dialysis]

Anatomical and functional characteristics of the peritoneal cavity have to be evaluated prior to catheter implantation for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This review summarizes the constraints that may be encountered and the few technical certitudes that have been validated. The American Registry for CAPD is the unique source of validated data, indicating that the early risk for peritonitis following catheter implantation is significantly lessened with a two-cuff catheter used by a surgeon. Catheter shape as well as per-operative antibiotic prophylaxy have no effect on prognosis.