Peritoneal Vicenza “Short” Catheter Outcomes and Comparison with International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis Guidelines

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> A well-functioning peritoneal catheter is key to success of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The Vicenza “short” catheter is a modified Tenckhoff catheter with a shorter intraperitoneal segment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of catheter-related complications and catheter survival rate using the Vicenza “short” catheter, according to the goals suggested by the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) guidelines. Second, we compared insertion techniques used in our center. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a retrospective cohort, single-center study analyzing incident PD patients undergoing Vicenza “short” peritoneal catheter placement between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. As clinical outcomes, we evaluated catheter patency at 12 months, exit-site/tunnel infection and peritonitis within 30 days of catheter insertion, visceral injury, or significant hemorrhage during the procedure, in accordance with ISPD guidelines. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The percentage of patency at 12 months for all catheter insertion methods was 88.91%, and the percentage for laparoscopic placement was 93.75%. The exit-site/tunnel infection and peritonitis occurring within 30 days of catheter insertion were, respectively, 0.75% and 2.2%; the visceral injury leading to intervention was 0.75%. We did not have any case of significant hemorrhage. All results were in line with ISPD guidelines. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We conclude that the Vicenza “short” catheter is a suitable device for peritoneal access. The implantation procedure is safe and easy to perform, and both nephrologists and surgeons can do it. A confident use and a proper implantation of the Vicenza “short” catheter help achieve the clinical ISPD goals for the PD access procedure in terms of catheter survival and complication rates.

Cutaneous abscess related to peritoneal catheter tunnel infection

Some peritoneal dialysis catheter infections cannot be detected via a physical examination. Ultrasonography can aid in the diagnosis of such infections.

Time until treatment initiation is associated with catheter survival in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis

For peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), we investigated the relation between duration from the sign (PD effluent abnormalities) to treatment with appropriate antibiotics (ST time) and catheter removal. For 62 PD hospital patients, data of PD-related peritonitis (n = 109) were collected retrospectively. We examined ST time and PD catheter removal times using univariate and multivariate analyses. The catheter removal rate in the delayed ST time group (≥ 24 h) was higher than that in early ST time group (< 24 h) (38 vs. 16%, p = 0.02). Concomitant tunnel infection and delayed ST time were associated with catheter removal (OR [95% CI] 32.3 [3.15–329] and 3.52 [1.11–11.1]). Rates of catheter removal and re-development of peritonitis within 1 month after starting treatment were higher in the delayed ST time group (p = 0.02). PD duration at peritonitis and the first peritonitis episode were associated with delayed ST time (1.02 [1.00–1.04] and 3.42 [1.09–10.7]). Significant association was found between PD catheter removal and the start of treatment more than 24 h after appearance of abnormal effluent. Education for patients about prompt visitation at the onset of peritonitis with long PD duration might improve outcomes.

Time until treatment initiation is associated with catheter survival in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis

Introduction: For peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), we investigated the relation between duration from the sign (PD effluent abnormalities) to treatment with appropriate antibiotics (ST time) and catheter removal. Design, setting, participants: For 62 PD hospital patients, data of PD-related peritonitis (n=109) were collected retrospectively. We examined ST time and PD catheter removal times using univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: The catheter removal rate in the delayed ST time group (>=24 hr) was higher than that in early ST time group (<24 hr) (38 vs. 16%, p= .02). Concomitant tunnel infection and delayed ST time were associated with catheter removal (OR[95%CI]: 32.3 [3.15–329] and 3.52 [1.11–11.1]). Rates of catheter removal and re-development of peritonitis within 1 month after starting treatment were higher in the delayed ST time group (p= .02). PD duration at peritonitis and the first peritonitis episode were associated with delayed ST time (1.02 [1.00–1.04] and 3.42 [1.09–10.7]). Conclusion: Significant association was found between PD catheter removal and the start of treatment more than 24 hrafter appearance of abnormal effluent. Education for patients about prompt visitation at the onset of peritonitis with long PD duration might improve outcomes.

Post phacoemulsification wound infection by Nocardia cyriacigeorgica: a rare acid-fast organism

Tunnel infection is one of the most dreaded infections, post phacoemulsification. Most cases reported till now are caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria or fungi and very few cases by the acid-fast organisms. Ocular infections by Nocardia usually have poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of tunnel infection, its management and microbiological identification of cause behind it, that is, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica a rare acid-fast microorganism.

Modification of laparoscopic catheter setting for peritoneal dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease

Reducing the complications of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) procedure prolongs its use. The purpose of the work was to justify prolongation of peritoneal dialysis by modifying its setting. The study included 54 patients with chronic renal insufficiency, they carried out laparoscopic setting of PD; 14 patients were with omentopexy and 40 – with a classical statement. The operation was performed under general anesthesia. Surgical tactics were as follows: omentum folds were fixed to the parietal peritoneum; the control catheter was inserted through the window into the mesentery of the colon, and the dialysis portion at the bottom of the pelvis; sutured the window of the mesentery of the colon. Before insertion of the camera port, pneumoperitoneum was induced with a Veress needle, 10 mm below the navel. The pressure of abdominal gas was 12 mm Hg. Art. The point of entry into the abdominal cavity was established by the Hassan method: 5 cm lateral and 7 cm below the navel along the outer edge of the rectus abdominis muscle. A control catheter was inserted into the window under the transverse colon and inflated the balloon, the omentum was fixed to the parietal peritoneum 3 cm above the navel and the window in the colon mesentery was sutured. All early and late postoperative complications of the patients were recorded for 12 months (wound infections, including “tunnel infection”, dialysate leakage past the catheter, obturation of the catheter lumen, loss of tightness of omentoperitoneopexy). The study included 8 men and 6 women, aged from 43 to 76 years, of whom 2 patients had previously been operated on the abdominal organs. The operative intervention time averaged 54,6±15,4 min. No obstruction, catheter migration, or “tunnel infection” was established during the study. We have developed a laparoscopic technique of peritoneopexy of the upper half of the abdominal cavity, which will be used when the resource of the lower half of the abdominal cavity is exhausted and the effectiveness of preventing mechanical complications of the catheter PD has been proven.