LAPAROSCOPIC PERITONEAL DIALYSIS CATHETER PLACEMENT WITH RECTUS SHEATH TUNNELING: A ONE-PORT SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: The success of peritoneal dialysis depends on the proper placement and functional longevity of the dialysis catheter. Laparoscopic implantation of a catheter through a rectus sheath tunneling can minimize the risks of catheter failure. AIMS: This study aims to describe one-port simplified technique for laparoscopic placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter with rectus sheath tunneling. METHODS: The simplified laparoscopic insertion of a Tenckhoff catheter with rectus sheath tunneling was performed in 16 patients with chronic renal failure. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, no major complications occurred. Three patients were excluded. One was referred to the renal transplant some weeks after implantation, and one died for other reasons during the follow-up. Another patient needed adhesiolysis due to previous surgery, so an additional port was necessary. The other 13 catheters worked properly, and no postoperative hemorrhage, early leaks, hernia, or catheter migration occurred. One patient had a tunnel infection 11 months after the implant. No peritonitis was observed during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is simple, reproducible, and safe, with good results in catheter function, few complications, and a high catheter survival rate. It does not require a special device or trocar and avoids excessive port sites.