Surgical management of peritoneal dialysis catheters in children: five-year experience with 1,800 patient-month follow-up

The Self-Locating Catheter: Clinical Experience and Follow-Up

Background

The self-locating catheter invented by Nicola Di Paolo has been used increasingly in Italy and elsewhere since 1994, with about a thousand patients currently implanted every year. Twelve grams of tungsten inserted into the tip of the conventional Tenckhoff catheter during extrusion does not significantly change its form, but suffices to keep the tip firmly in the Douglas cavity.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to confirm our preliminary results in a large population of peritoneal dialysis patients.

Setting

16 Italian nephrology departments.

Results

In addition to confirming the validity of the new catheter, the present results show that patients with the new catheter have fewer episodes of peritonitis, tunnel infection, cuff extrusion, catheter malfunction, obstruction, and leakage.

Conclusion

The present multicenter control study confirms preliminary results and demonstrates that complications of peritoneal dialysis, such as cuff extrusion, infection, peritonitis, early leakage, and obstruction, are statistically less frequent in patients with self-locating catheters than in patients with classic Tenckhoff catheters.

Peritoneal Dialysis in the Prune Belly Syndrome

Objectives

To describe our experience with chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in children with the prune belly syndrome (PBS).

Design

From our peritoneal dialysis (PD) program we were able to review the medical records of 6 boys with PBS. Data were collected on potential complications such as infections, hernias, growth, and problems encountered with PD catheter insertion.

Results

The ages of the 6 boys ranged from 10 months 17 years. The dialysis duration was from 9–22 months, with a total of 76 patient-months on PD. There was one death, possibly as a complication of an exit-site infection. Five received a renal transplant, and 4 have functioning grafts. Peritonitis occurred once in every 10.8 patient months, and exit-site or tunnel infection was diagnosed every 7.6 patient-months. Four patients required PD catheter replacement because of tunnel infection in 2, persistent exit-site infection in 1, and fluid leakage in 1. Of a total of nine catheters, three were inserted using a laparoscopic technique. There were no leaks in these three; however, there was one exit-site infection. Two patients had inguinal hernias that required surgery.

Conclusion

Deficiency of abdominal musculature in PBS poses potential problems for the use of PD, in particular, catheter anchorage, exit-site healing, and leakage. In our patients the most serious complications were infections of the exit site or catheter tunnel. Our experience suggests that a laparoscopic technique may provide improved catheter placement. PD offers a potentially successful form of dialysis for patients with PBS.

A New Self-Locating Peritoneal Catheter

Objective

Peritoneal catheters often become dislocated, and this may lead to malfunction. Since it is not usually possible to bring them back into their correct position, they must be replaced. With the aim of preventing this complication, we designed a new catheter.

Design

The new catheter has the same form as the Tenckhoff catheter except for a small increase in external diameter of the last 2 cm, made possible by the high specific weight of a small12-g tungsten cylinder incorporated in the Silasticat the abdominal end. The new catheter may be inserted by a percutaneous technique.

Setting

University hospitals of Sienaand Perugia, Italy.

Patients

In the last three years, 32 of these catheters have been implanted for a total experience of 468 patientmonths. Their position was checked on insertion and every two months thereafter by radiography; 26 Tenckhoff catheters (415 patient-months) were studied at the same time. Insertion was performed surgically and by a percutaneous method. The frequency of cuff extrusion, exit-site infections, leakage, and peritoneal infection were noted, together with peritoneal function, which was evaluated by KTN and weekly creatinine clearance one month after catheter insertion; the tests were repeated when dislocation occurred and at the end of the trial.

Results

No dislocations occurred with the self-locating catheters, whereas nine dislocations occurred in control patients (p = 0.0003). There were no significant differences with respect to controls for cuff extrusion, exit-site infections, leakage, peritoneal infection, and peritoneal function.

Conclusions

The presence of a small weight at the catheter tip prevents displacement completely, keeping the intraperitoneal part of the catheter in place.

15 Years of Experience with Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients Starting Therapy before Age 20

This study retrospectively evaluates the survival on renal replacement therapy among patients starting dialysis before their twentieth birthday. The cohort included all patients starting therapy from 1972 through August, 1987 at the University of Mississippi or Kidney Care, Inc. Fifty-five patients, median age 17 years, range 5-19 years, underwent 335 patient years of therapy. Nineteen initially received CAPD; 12 home hemodialysis, 2 were transplanted prior to dialysis, and the remaining 22 patients were entered into dialysis in a free standing facility. Thirty-one patients received a cadaveric transplant and four patients received a living related transplant. The median transplant survival was 1360 days. There were 10 patients on renal replacement therapy over 10 years and a survival plot projected a 70% survival at 10 years. Nine patients died. Three percent of the time on renal replacement therapy was spent hospitalized. Although the hospitalization rate is significant, the pediatric patient may be expected to have a long survival on renal replacement therapy.

The Self-Locating Catheter: Review and Cost Analysis

The self-locating catheter invented by Nicola Di Paolo has been increasingly used in Italy and elsewhere since 1994, with about a thousand patients currently implanted every year. Twelve grams of tungsten inserted in the tip of the conventional Tenckhoff catheter during extrusion do not significantly change its form, but suffice to keep the tip firmly in the Douglas cavity.

The validity of the new catheter is confirmed by a multicentric controlled study in a large population of peritoneal dialysis patients. This trial showed that patients with the new catheter have fewer episodes of peritonitis, tunnel infection, cuff extrusion, catheter malfunction, obstruction and leakage.

This paper outlines the present situation and reports a comparative analysis of the costs of Tenckhoff and self-locating catheters.

Peritoneal Dialysis Access Revision in Children: Causes, Interventions, and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Little published information is available about access failure in children undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis. Our objectives were to evaluate frequency, risk factors, interventions, and outcome of peritoneal dialysis access revision.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Data were derived from 824 incident and 1629 prevalent patients from 105 pediatric nephrology centers enrolled in the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network Registry between 2007 and 2015.

RESULTS

In total, 452 access revisions were recorded in 321 (13%) of 2453 patients over 3134 patient-years of follow-up, resulting in an overall access revision rate of 0.14 per treatment year. Among 824 incident patients, 186 (22.6%) underwent 188 access revisions over 1066 patient-years, yielding an access revision rate of 0.17 per treatment year; 83% of access revisions in incident patients were reported within the first year of peritoneal dialysis treatment. Catheter survival rates in incident patients were 84%, 80%, 77%, and 73% at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, risk of access revision was associated with younger age (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 0.95; P<0.001), diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.59; P=0.02), coexisting ostomies (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.87; P=0.01), presence of swan neck tunnel with curled intraperitoneal portion (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.63; P=0.02), and high gross national income (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.19; P=0.01). Main reasons for access revisions included mechanical malfunction (60%), peritonitis (16%), exit site infection (12%), and leakage (6%). Need for access revision increased the risk of peritoneal dialysis technique failure or death (hazard ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.65; P=0.003). Access dysfunction due to mechanical causes doubled the risk of technique failure compared with infectious causes (hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 2.30; P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal dialysis catheter revisions are common in pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis and complicate provision of chronic peritoneal dialysis. Attention to potentially modifiable risk factors by pediatric nephrologists and pediatric surgeons should be encouraged.

Pleuro-peritoneal or pericardio-peritoneal leak in children on chronic peritoneal dialysis-A survey from the European Paediatric Dialysis Working Group

BACKGROUND

Pleural or pericardial effusions secondary to pleuro-peritoneal fistula (PPF) and pericardio-peritoneal fistula (PcPF) are rare but serious complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD).

METHODS

We conducted a 10-year survey across all participating centres in the European Paediatric Dialysis Working Group to review the incidence, diagnostic techniques, therapeutic options and outcome of children on chronic PD with PPF and/or PcPF.

RESULTS

Of 1506 children on PD there were ten cases (8 of PPF, 1 each of PcPF and PPF + PcPF), with a prevalence of 0.66%. The median age at presentation was 1.5 [inter-quartile range (IQR) 0.4-2.4] years, and nine children were <3 years. The time on PD before onset of symptoms was 4.3 (IQR 1.3-19.8) months. Eight children had herniae and seven had abdominal surgery in the preceding 4 weeks. Symptoms at presentation were respiratory distress, reduced ultrafiltration and tachycardia. PD was stopped in all children; three were managed conservatively and thoracocentesis was performed in seven (with pleurodesis in 3). PD was restarted in only three children, in two of them with success.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, PPF and PcPF are rare in children on chronic PD, but are associated with significant morbidity, requiring a change of dialysis modality in all cases. Risk factors for PPF development include age of <3 years, herniae and recent abdominal surgery.

Peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation: avoiding problems and optimizing outcomes

The success of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as renal replacement therapy is dependent upon the patient having a functional long-term peritoneal access. There are a number of identified best practices that must be adhered to during PD catheter placement to achieve a durable and infection-resistant access. The clinical setting, available resources, and the employed catheter insertion method may not always permit complete adherence to these practices; however, an attempt should be made to comply with them as closely as possible. Although omission of any one of the practices can lead to catheter loss, departures from some are committed more frequently, manifesting as commonly occurring clinical problems, such as drain pain, catheter tip migration, omental entrapment, pericatheter leaks and hernias, and poor exit-site location. Understanding the technical pitfalls in PD catheter placement that lead to these problems, enable the provider to modify practice habits to avoid them and optimize outcomes.

Dialysate leakage into pericardium in an infant on long-term peritoneal dialysis

We report on a 2-year-old boy on automated peritoneal dialysis (PD) with a history of multiple hernias and dialysate leaks who developed pericardial effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a peritoneo-pericardial fistula. Dialysis had to be discontinued, since head-down tilt reproducibly induced significant hypotension. In PD patients with pericardial effusion a peritoneo-pericardial leak should be considered.

Selected best demonstrated practices in peritoneal dialysis access

Many burdensome interventions that adversely affect the utilization of peritoneal dialysis as renal replacement therapy and patient satisfaction with this treatment modality can be avoided by early peritoneal access placement with embedded catheters, implantation techniques that preempt common catheter complications, and the use of access devices that provide flexibility in exit site location. Catheter embedding consists of subcutaneously burying the external limb of the catheter tubing at the time of the insertion procedure. Interval exteriorization of the catheter is performed when dialysis is needed. Earlier commitment by patients to peritoneal dialysis can be achieved by elimination of catheter maintenance until dialysis is necessary. Catheter embedding is a practical strategy to avoid temporary hemodialysis with vascular catheters and reduces stress on operating room access by allowing more efficient scheduling as non-urgent procedures. Laparoscopic catheter placement enables proactive techniques not available to other conventional insertion methods. These techniques include rectus sheath tunneling to prevent catheter tip migration, selective prophylactic omentopexy to prevent omental entrapment, selective resection of epiploic appendages to prevent catheter obstruction, adhesiolysis to eliminate compartmentalization, and diagnosis and simultaneous repair of previously undiagnosed abdominal wall hernias. Both standard and extended 2-piece catheter systems are necessary to customize the peritoneal access to a variety of body configurations. Catheters should be able to produce lower abdominal, mid-abdominal, upper abdominal, and upper chest exit site locations that facilitate management by the patient without sacrificing deep pelvic position of the catheter tip or resulting in excessive tubing stress during passage through the abdominal wall.

Management options for hydrothorax complicating peritoneal dialysis

Hydrothorax as a result of pleuroperitoneal communication occurs in approximately 2% of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Although our understanding of its mechanisms is incomplete, it is apparent that the key to successful therapy is obliteration of a transdiaphragmatic route of dialysate leakage (pleuroperitoneal communication), possibly coupled with reduction of intra-abdominal pressure. This review corroborated the findings from 10 major population-based case series in which 60 of the 104 cases (58%) were able to resume long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Temporary interruption of PD alone was successful in half of them. As compared to this conservative approach, as well as chemical pleurodesis via intercostal chest drain, video-assisted thoracoscopic intervention (including direct pleurodesis and diaphragmatic repair) has shown a promising role. Efficacy of thoracoscopic treatment has been confirmed by several case series from various centers and the demonstration of a success rate in excess of 90%. With accumulating experience using the thoracoscopic technique, it remains to be seen whether this mode of treatment will obviate the traditional closed pleurodesis.

Selective performance of prophylactic omentopexy during laparoscopic implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters

Omental entrapment of the peritoneal dialysis catheter remains a common cause of flow dysfunction. Prophylactic omentectomy during catheter implantation is still followed with an incidence of flow obstruction as high as 10%. We describe indications and a technique for selective performance of omentopexy during laparoscopic catheter implantation that resulted in only a 0.7% obstruction rate in 153 consecutive patients as compared with a 12.8% rate in a preceding group of 78 consecutive patients. Laparoscopic omentopexy was performed during 9.2% of implant procedures and only when the omentum was found to extend to the retrovesical space. The procedure is simple, quick, and inexpensive to perform. Employing selective criteria for omentopexy eliminates the performance of unnecessary procedures. Actuarial analysis demonstrates that an operative strategy of selectively performing omentopexy for redundant omentum significantly improves catheter survival free of flow dysfunction (P < 0.0001).

Entrapment of the appendix and the fallopian tube in peritoneal dialysis catheters in two children

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has revolutionized the management of renal failure in children. However, CAPD catheter malfunction is not uncommon, the main complications being catheter-related infection and catheter-related obstruction. Herein the authors report both of the above complications, attributable to unique and previously unreported causes. One patient had appendicitis and peritonitis secondary to catheter entrapment of the appendix; the other had an obstructed catheter secondary to entrapment of the right fallopian tube within its lumen. To avoid potentially serious complications, early exploration of malfunctioning catheters is recommended.

Iatrogenic placement of a Tenckhoff catheter in the bladder of a diabetic patient after penectomy

The placement of permanent peritoneal catheters for dialysis of patients with renal failure is safe and has been popular since its modification by Tenckhoff. The majority of complications associated with these catheters are infectious in nature, manifesting as peritonitis or insertion site skin infections. Occasionally, serious complications may occur. We report the iatrogenic placement of a Tenckhoff catheter in the bladder of a penectomized patient. Consideration to this surgically altered lower genitourinary tract may have avoided this rare complication as well as aided in the postoperative management of this patient.

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.

Inguinal herniorrhaphy in the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient

Inguinal hernia repair in the patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is complicated in theory by an increased potential for recurrence. In addition to the constant increased intraabdominal pressure, chronic renal failure has been shown to impair tissue healing. Controversy exists regarding the waiting period before resuming CAPD postoperatively. A retrospective review of all CAPD patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy was performed. The patient's age, type of repair, duration of renal failure preoperatively, length of time on CAPD postoperatively, and date of resumption of CAPD were recorded. An inpatient and outpatient chart review was performed on all patients. Telephone follow-up was performed on surviving patients. From April 1981 to June 1989, 30 patients underwent 36 inguinal herniorrhaphies while on CAPD. One immediate postoperative death occurred due to underlying cardiac disease. The mean follow-up for surviving patients was 34 months (range, 16 to 91) and for those deceased was 25 months (range, 1 to 60). No recurrent hernias were identified either by extensive inpatient and outpatient chart review, or by direct patient telephone contact in all surviving patients. We conclude that inguinal herniorrhaphy can be safely performed in CAPD patients. Peritoneal dialysis can be initiated immediately after repair in this high-risk group of patients. There is a low risk of recurrence; however, long-term patient survival is not expected due to concurrent underlying medical problems.

Surgical aspects of chronic peritoneal dialysis in the neonate and infant under 1 year of age

Since 1982 eight patients under 1 year of age with end-stage renal failure have been treated by chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) following insertion of an abdominal Tenckhoff catheter. We routinely perform a partial omentectomy now, and in males undertake bilateral exploration of the groins at the time of catheter insertion, with herniotomy or ligation of the patent processus vaginalis as required. Up to January 1990, 19 straight double-cuff catheters had been inserted with a total follow-up of 244.5 patient months. The median age at the initial catheter insertion was 14.6 weeks (range, 2 days to 11 months) and the median weight was 3.89 kg (range, 2.2 to 5.5). Peritonitis was the most common complication, with 46 episodes, representing one episode of peritonitis per 5.3 patient months on dialysis. The frequency of peritonitis has decreased in the last 6 months since all patients have been dialysed by two caregivers. The present rate of peritonitis is 1 episode per 10 patient months on dialysis. One patient has died of septicemia secondary to associated congenital abnormalities, one patient has regained renal function, and two patients have been transplanted, one successfully. Five patients are currently dialysing via their abdominal Tenckhoff catheters and awaiting transplantation. We conclude that neonates and infants under 1 year of age can be treated satisfactorily by CPD to enable successful preparation for transplantation later in childhood.

Peritoneal dialysis in children: Review of surgical techniques

Peritoneal dialysis has become an effective and widely used technique for the treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease. Peritoneal dialysis has become more practical for use in pediatric patients since equipment and techniques have been adapted for smaller patients. In the present work we describe the surgical technique that we currently use at our institution for surgical placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter. From January 1985 to January 1992, 19 peritoneal catheters were placed in 17 children, at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital. At the time of catheter insertion the average weight of the children was 14.2 kg., and the average age was 4 y. 10m. Peritoneal dialysis catheters were always placed under sterile conditions, in an operating room or in a pediatric ICU, with surgical technique. Regarding our surgical technique we recommend: 1) to use Tenckhoff catheter, 2 cuffs pigtail (curled) type; 2) to perform a minilaparatomy with lateral surgical approach and a routine omentectomy; 3) to create a submuscular tunnel (rectus abdominis) to reduce the leakaqe of peritoneal dialysis fluid. Furthermore the various clinical problems encountered in our experience and some surgical guidelines for the prevention of complications are reviewed.

Surgical complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Surgical experience with 260 consecutive patients with chronic renal failure receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at one medical center from 1980 to 1989 is reviewed. Patients received CAPD for a mean of 24.2 months (range: 3 days to 91 months). Catheter longevity consistently improved in all but 1 year from 1984 to 1989, as did exit-site and tunnel infections. Of 311 catheters inserted, 151 (49%) required removal, of which 111 (74%) were attributed to peritonitis. Cumulative patient survival was 80%, 60%, and 53% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Diabetic patients had statistically significant lower survival rates. Additional complications including catheter leakage, catheter malposition, catheter obstruction, and abdominal wall hernias were negligible. Although CAPD is not free from serious complications, our data show remarkable improvement since 1980 in catheter longevity, hospital stay, and infection rates.

Peritoneal dialysis in the first 60 days of life

This report describes a 7-year experience with acute peritoneal dialysis in 31 neonates and infants less than 60 days of age. There were 20 boys and 11 girls, ages 3 to 60 days. Tenckhoff catheters of modified length were placed in the newborn intensive care unit (ICU), pediatric ICU, or surgery suites, and hourly exchanges (20 cc/kg) were started immediately postoperatively. Diagnoses included congenital metabolic disorders (11), acute tubular necrosis (6), postcardiopulmonary bypass with renal failure (5), renal cortical necrosis (5), obstructive uropathy (2), renal agenesis (1), and bilateral renal dysplasia (1). Complications included: peritonitis (4), bowel perforation (1), exit site infection (3), leaking dialysate (4), catheter obstruction (2), inguinal hernias (3), umbilical hernia (1), and retroperitoneal hemorrhage (1). There were 19 deaths (61.3%) from 1 to 90 days postinsertion in this high risk group. The (1), and post liver transplant (1). Effective dialysis (lowering of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or ammonia, correction of acidosis, decrease in fluid overload) was possible in all cases. Five of the 12 survivors remain on chronic dialysis awaiting renal transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis is effective in the newborn period in the management of metabolic disturbances as well as renal failure. Morbidity and mortality (61.3%) is related to the near-morbid condition of the baby at the time of insertion and the severity of the complex underlying diagnosis often associated with multiorgan failure.

Current concepts in inguinal hernia in infants and children

Trends are changing in the management of infants and children with indirect inguinal hernias. Advances in neonatal intensive care have resulted in the survival of many small premature infants who have a high incidence of inguinal hernia. The rate of incarceration, strangulation, and gonadal infarction in these babies is twice that of the general pediatric age group. Respiratory immaturity, apnea, bradycardia, and associated neonatal conditions require special management at the time of hernia repair, usually performed just before discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. New information concerning volume loss and depletion of germ cells beginning at 6 months of age in boys with undescended testes has stimulated the performance of orchiopexy when the patient is 1 year of age. More than 90% of boys with cryptorchid testes at the age of 1 year have an associated hernia that requires concomitant repair at the time of orchiopexy. The use of the peritoneal cavity for fluid absorptive purposes in hydrocephalus treated by venticuloperitoneal shunts or of peritoneal dialysis for renal failure and metabolic diseases such as hyperammonemia and lactic acidosis causes increased intraabdominal pressure and results in the appearance of a previously unrecognized hernia. Recognition of these and other conditions associated with a high incidence of hernial occurrence should allow early diagnosis and treatment before the development of complications. Most elective repairs of hernias are safely performed in the outpatient setting; however, some infants and children with concurrent illnesses are best managed in a "morning admissions" program, in which hospital admission occurs postoperatively.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: the pediatric experience

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis has become a highly acclaimed method of maintenance therapy in the management of end stage renal disease in childhood. This type of dialysis affords freedom and comfort, and lessens dependence. Furthermore, the over-all reduction in hospital-related cost of this therapy currently has made continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis the recommended procedure of choice at our institution. From July 1980 through May 1986 we offered this form of therapy to 45 patients between 4 days and 17 years old. A total of 68 Tenckhoff catheters were placed. Reasons for catheter removal included persistent peritonitis, tunnel infection, catheter leakage, catheter obstruction, successful kidney transplant, motivational failure, midline nephrectomy and death. Patient and parent instruction and indoctrination were critical factors in catheter survival. Our experience with the specific technical aspects of insertion documented that the single cuff, coiled Tenckhoff catheter and long, subcutaneous tunnel were definite advantages. These factors favored early use and long-term survival. The course of these patients with respect to nutrition, growth, emotional activity, infections and catheter survival is presented.