Swan neck presternal catheter for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in children

Since 15 December 1991 four swan neck presternal catheters (SNPC) have been implanted in four children aged 2-11 years. The observation period ranged from 4 to 10 months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a new peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation method in paediatric patients. The indications for insertion of the SNPC were: young age, use of nappies, obesity and recurrent exit site infection (ESI). The surgical technique of the SNPC implantation was similar to that used for adults. The chest location of the catheter exist site is advantageous for the following reasons: (1) easier care of a small child because of greater distance from nappies, (2) better healing and decreased risk of ESI in the area with less fat thickness and (3) less trauma. A larger number of children with a longer follow-up is necessary for better evaluation of the SNPC, as well as for estimation of frequency of ESI and peritonitis.