The aim of this study was to compare peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion by the open method to the laparoscopic method. Twenty four laparoscopic and 10 open peritoneal dialysis catheter placements were performed in children between 2001 and 2008. Patient characteristics, operation related data, procedural complications and clinical outcome were compared. Although there were no cases of catheter obstruction, exit site infection or bleeding in the laparoscopic group, compared to the open method, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Catheter removal rate due to complication was high in the open group and catheter survival rate was high in the laparoscopic group. We concluded that laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement is feasible in children of all age groups with at least equivalent functional results compared to the open method. An advantage of laparoscopic catheter insertion is removal of the great omentum and easy fixation of the catheter to the abdominal wall.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been utilized for the children with end stage renal disease. Nevertheless, it is thought to promote inguinal hernia by increasing intraabdominal pressure. To investigate the clinical characteristics of inguinal hernia in children on PD, 155 cases of PD in children between January 1996 and June 2007 at Seoul National University Children's Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Inguinal hernia developed in 16 cases (10.3%, M:F=8:8). Hernia occurrence was not correlated to age. Eleven cases (69%) of inguinal hernia developed in first 6 months after initiation of PD. All inguinal hernias were surgically repaired. No complications occurred related to inguinal hernia or surgery. Recurrent hernia developed in 1 patient (6.3%) of 2 cases who had PD postoperatively on the day of surgery.

In conclusion, inguinal hernia developed more frequently with children on PD than general population (3.5~5%). The rate of hernia development was highest within the first 6 months following initiation of PD. After repair of hernia, we recommend to discontinue PD immediate postoperatively to prevent recurrence.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) has now become an established form of renal replacement therapy in children. Despite of technical improvements, there are various complications in CAPD. We reviewed medical records of children who received CAPD at Seoul National University Children's Hospital in the period between May 1991 and June 2002. Ninety-three procedures of CAPD catheter insertion in 70 patients were included in this study. Complication rate was 64.5%, and CAPD catheter related peritonitis was most common. In conclusion, CAPD catheter related peritonitis develops in considerable number of pediatric patients. Although the peritonitis could be treated with empirical antibiotics therapy, further investigation to prevent complication is required.