Fluoroscopically guided peritoneal catheter placement for intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Surgical placement of intraperitoneal catheters for intraperitoneal chemotherapy is associated with bowel perforation, peritonitis, and catheter occlusion. The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopically guided placement of temporary intraperitoneal catheters for chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred one intraperitoneal catheter placements were attempted in 88 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis or sarcomatosis. The peritoneum was punctured with 22-gauge needles and exchange was made with use of Seldinger technique and liberal injections of contrast material at each step for 8.3- or 8.5-F multiple-side-hole catheters. Placement sites included all four quadrants and the midline. Computed tomographic (CT) peritoneography was performed prior to chemotherapy.

RESULTS: One hundred ninety (94.5%) of 201 attempted catheter insertions were technically successful. Results of CT peritoneography were available in 175 cases and showed free distribution of peritoneal contrast material in 39% (n = 69), partial loculation in 38% (n = 67), and extensive loculation in 22% (n = 39). Catheters remained in place for a median of 5 days (range, 2-6 days). Significant complications occurred in 11 procedures (5.5%). There were seven unintended bowel intubations; all were treated conservatively except one that required surgical repair. One other patient developed necrotizing fasciitis requiring surgical débridement. Three other patients (1.5%) developed mild peritonitis responsive to antibiotics. Technical success, complications, and peritoneal distribution of contrast material did not correlate with the site of catheter placement.

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous catheter placement with use of small-gauge needles for initial puncture is safe and efficacious in patients requiring short-term peritoneal access for chemotherapy.