The ureteroscope-assisted "Mini-Perc" technique of placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters with a 16-Fr Peel-Away sheath: 3-year results in 47 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical feasibility, safety and effect of the ureteroscope-assisted "Mini-Perc" technique with a 16-Fr Peel-Away sheath for insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 47 consecutive ESRD patients underwent ureteroscope-assisted placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters via a 16-Fr Peel-Away sheath. Informed consent form was signed by patients under principle of voluntary.

RESULTS: The mean duration of the operation was 40 min (range, 21-75 min). Seven patients (14.9 %) experienced mechanical complications: catheter tip migration in 1 patient (2.1 %), slightly bloody ascites in 4 patients (8.5 %) and catheter-related peritonitis in 2 patients (4.3 %). Two catheters (4.3 %) were removed after renal transplantation. One patient (2.1 %) died from heart failure. One catheter (2.1 %) was explanted because of malfunction. After a mean follow-up time of 15 months (range, 2-36 months), 42 catheters are still functioning properly.

CONCLUSIONS: The ureteroscope-assisted "Mini-Perc" technique with a 16-Fr Peel-Away sheath is a simple, safe and effective method for placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters in ESRD patients.