[Cuff Shaving in Recurrent Exit-Site Infections in a Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis].

In patients on peritoneal dialysis, the cutaneous emergency (exit-site) represents a potential access route to the peritoneum; consequently, it can become a site for microbial infections. These infections, initially localized to the exit-site, may spread to the peritoneum causing peritonitis, which is the most common cause of drop-out from peritoneal dialysis and transition to hemodialysis. Peritoneal catheters have dacron caps which have the function of counteracting the traction of the catheter itself and at the same time acting as a barrier for microorganisms, preventing the spread towards the peritoneum. Despite this, the same dacron cap can represent a sort of nest for microorganisms to colonize and, with the formation of a biofilm that facilitates their proliferation, make the same organisms impervious to antibiotic therapy and even resistance to them. The most effective tool for monitoring the health status of the exit-site is represented by the objective examination. This examination, through the use of well-defined scales, helps to provide a pathological score of the exit, facilitating the implementation of necessary precautions. In the presence of recurrent exit-site infections, from both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, minimally invasive surgical therapy is a valid approach to break this vicious circle. It helps avoid subjecting the patient to the removal of the peritoneal catheter, temporary transition to hemodialysis with the insertion of a central venous catheter, and subsequent repositioning of another peritoneal catheter. We propose the case of a recurrent Staphylococcus Aureus infection resolved after cuff shaving of the exit-site.

[Omentopexy in Peritoneal Catheter Malfunction].

Among the various problems associated with peritoneal dialysis, besides infectious causes, the risk of catheter malfunction plays a significant role in conditioning the continuation of the method, accounting for up to 15-18% of the total causes of dialysis drop-out. When non-invasive maneuvers, such as the use of laxatives to stimulate intestinal peristalsis or heparin and/or urokinase have no effect, videolaparoscopy is the only method that directly detects the precise causes of peritoneal catheter malfunction. Those found are, with decreasing frequency, the winding of the catheter between the intestinal loops and the omentum (wrapping), the dislocation of the catheter, the combination of wrapping and dislocation, the occlusion of the catheter by a fibrin plug, the adhesions between the intestine and abdominal wall, the occlusion of the catheter by epiploic appendages or adnexal tissue and, occasionally, the presence of a new formation of endoperitoneal tissue enveloping and obstructing the peritoneal catheter. We report the case of a young patient of African ethnicity who, only five days after catheter placement, experienced malfunction. A videolaparoscopy revealed wrapping with invagination of omental tissue inside the catheter. After omental debridement, a proper peritoneal cavity washout with heparin was resumed, and after a couple of weeks, APD was initiated. About a month later, a new malfunction without signs of coprostasis or problems with the abdominal radiogram was observed. However, a subsequent catheterography confirmed the blockage of drainage. This was followed by another catheterography and omentopexy, with definitive solution of the Tenckhoff malfunction.