Impact of primary omentectomy on longevity of peritoneal dialysis catheters in children

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of omentectomy on peritoneal dialysis catheter failure rates in pediatric patients with renal failure.MethodsA retrospective review of children undergoing peritoneal catheter placement was performed over a 22-year period. Children were segregated into those undergoing catheter placements with omentectomy or without.ResultsOne hundred sixty-three patients were reviewed, with a 1:1.03 ratio of male to female patients. The mean age was 6.25 ± 5.58 years. Fifty-three percent underwent omentectomy. Catheter failure was observed in 63 children (39%). Catheter obstruction was identified in 36%. Peritonitis led to failure in 9.8%. Catheter failure rate was significantly reduced with the performance of omentectomy (23% without omentectomy vs 15% with omentectomy, P = .0054). Differences in time to catheter failure did not reach statistical significance in the omentectomy group (759 vs 280 days, P = .13).ConclusionsOmentectomy conferred improved utility of peritoneal catheters in children. Omentectomy appears useful in children undergoing peritoneal dialysis catheter placement.