Abstract
Objective
To compare laparoscopic and conventional peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion with respect to post operative discomfort, complication rates, and catheter survival.
Design
Randomized prospective study.
Setting
Tertiary referral renal unit.
Patients
Fifty patients commencing peritoneal dialysis.
Intervention
Catheters were implanted laparoscopically or by a conventional surgical technique.
Main Outcome Measures
The duration of surgery, hospital stay, pain scores, and analgesic requirements were recorded. Complications (early/late) and catheter survival were compared.
Results
The conventional procedure was faster than the laparoscopic (14.3 vs 21.9 minutes, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in any other parameter assessed.
Conclusions
The data suggest that the insertion techniques are equivalent, and that laparoscopic insertion does not reduce early complication rates.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.