LAPAROSCOPY - AN ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS

Fifteen laparoscopic abdominal operations were performed in 14 patient s treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for chronic ren al failure. Celioscopic exploration of the abdomen and subsequent oper ation displayed several advantages specific to the method: identificat ion of the etiology of scrotal dialysate outflow was achieved in 4 cas es, peritoneal dialysis catheter salvage during laparoscopic cholecyst ectomy in 1 case, abdominal exploration during occurrence of peritonit is in 3 cases, and catheter dysfunction or abdominal examination befor e catheter implantation in 7 cases. The laparoscopic procedure allows early resumption of peritoneal dialysis after surgery, hence avoiding the need for transient hemodialysis. Nevertheless, it seemed unable to offer a salvage capability of infected catheters through extensive ab dominal washing. Laparoscopy has been reported to decrease postoperati ve pain and disorders of ventilation, allowing for rapid recovery of s ocial and professional activities following this minimal invasive surg ical technique. Laparoscopy is a novel technique which enables precise diagnosis and surgical operations in patients treated by continuous a mbulatory peritoneal dialysis.