PERITONEAL CATHETERS FOR CHRONIC PERITONE AL-DIALYSIS

Anatomical and functional characteristics of the peritoneal cavity hav e to be evaluated prior to catheter implantation for continuous ambula tory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This review summarizes the constraint s that may be encountered and the few technical certitudes that have b een validated. The American Registry for CAPD is the unique source of validated data, indicating that the early risk for peritonitis followi ng catheter implantation is significantly lessened with a two-cuff cat heter used by a surgeon. Catheter shape as well as per-operative antib iotic prophylaxy have no effect on prognosis.