Videolaparoscopy with Omentopexy: A New Technique to Allow Placement of a Catheter for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

Malfunction of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter is common and usually occurs shortly after its insertion, due to omental wrapping. In fact, we have encountered this complication in 183 of 578 (31.6%) patients treated at our hospital since 1987. To overcome this problem, I have devised a new laparoscopic technique for catheter insertion. First, the omentum is fixed onto the peritoneum of the lateral abdominal wall at two points using a laparoscopic instrument (Pro Tack 5-mm Auto Suture, Norwalk, CT, USA) placed at the level of the umbilicus. The catheter is then introduced through the umblical trocar deep into the true pelvis. The cuff is positioned between the posterior rectus sheath and the rectus fibers, and the fascia is sewn. The catheter is then pulled through the 5-mm trocar site. This technique was successfully performed on ten patients with a median age of 46.1 years. There was no morbidity or any malfunction in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) during follow-up periods ranging from 20 days to 9 months. Therefore, this new laparoscopic technique may prevent the obstruction caused by omental wrapping in CAPD.