Techniques for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement

Abstract

This chapter describes the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter implantation techniques. It will also discuss the merits and demerits of each technique, catheter types as well as the PD catheter-related complications. Several techniques and modifications have been described for the insertion of the catheter into the abdominal cavity. We will describe the currently available catheter designs which come in a variety of shapes (straight, pigtailcurled, swan-neck), length and number of Dacron cuffs for optimal ingrowth and fixation and insertion techniques with its early and late complications. These techniques include open surgical, laparoscopic and percutaneous techniques. The strategy for an optimal catheter implantation together with the preventive and therapeutic means for complicated treatment will be discussed.