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PubMedDate not supplied

Unit-based quality assurance: a necessary component of ET nursing practice.

A unit-based quality assurance tool has been developed to facilitate the monitoring of nursing care given to patients with ostomies. The tool consists of 23 clinical indicators that measure structure, process, and outcome issues specific to the patient with a fecal or a urinary diversion. Clinical indicators were derived from the WOCN's Standards of Care for Patient with Colostomy, Ileostomy, and Urinary Diversion. In addition, the tool was reviewed for content validity by ET nurses not involved in the original tool development. The data are retrieved through patient observation, patient interview, record review, nurse interview, nurse observation, and check on equipment availability. Results are reflective of care given to patients by staff nurses and nursing assistants, as well as by ET nurses. Current limitations include the fact that the tool has not been tested for transportability for use in other institutions.

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed1995

Disease-related worries and concerns: a study on out-patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients' disease-related worries and concerns and their disease-related data, sociodemographic variables and perceived information level with respect to IBD. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective evaluation of disease-related concerns. SETTING: Out-patient IBD clinic of a university hospital. STUDY POPULATION: The study included 105 patients with IBD (72 with Crohn's disease and 33 with ulcerative colitis). MEASUREMENTS: Worries and concerns were measured using the standardized 25-item rating form of IBD patient concerns; actual disease activity was assessed by physicians using the Crohn's disease and clinical activity indices. Sociodemographic and other disease-related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Patients' perceived information level was measured using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The issues of greatest concern to our patients were, in descending order of importance, having an ostomy bag (mean score +/- SD 63.6 +/- 38), the effects of medication (53.1 +/- 34), having surgery (51.6 +/- 36), the uncertain nature of the disease (46.5 +/- 32) and energy level (41.5 +/- 34). Patients with ulcerative colitis scored higher with respect to concern about loss of bowel control (P < 0.03). Disease-related worries and concerns correlated poorly with disease-related data (actual disease activity, severity of the course of IBD, diagnosis, disease duration or location, medication) but showed a significant negative correlation with patients' perceived information level about IBD (t = 0.2, P < 0.004). Lower information-level scores were associated with greater concerns. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the patients' information level about IBD and disease-related concerns have to be considered in clinical practice. Better information about IBD and psychosomatic counselling for patients who show high levels of concern may improve their quality of life and clinical care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Nursing interventions classification (NIC).

The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) is the first comprehensive classification of treatments that nurses perform. It is a standardized language of both nurse-initiated and physician-initiated nursing treatments. An alphabetical listing of 336 interventions was published in a book in May 1992 [Iowa Intervention Project, McCloskey, J. C., & Bulechek, G. M. (eds). Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book]. Each NIC intervention is composed of a label, a definition, a set of activities that a nurse does to carry out the intervention, and a short list of background readings. NIC interventions include: the physiological (e.g., Acid-Base Management, Airway Suctioning, Pressure Ulcer Care) and the psychosocial (e.g., Anxiety Reduction, Preparatory Sensory Information, Home Maintenance Assistance); illness treatment (e.g., Hyperglycemia Management, Ostomy Care, Shock Management), illness prevention (e.g., Fall Prevention, Infection Protection, Immunization/Vaccination Administration), and health promotion (e.g., Exercise Promotion, Nutrition Management, Smoking Cessation Assistance); and those used for individuals and those for families (e.g., Family Integrity Promotion, Family Support). Most recently, indirect care interventions (e.g., Emergency Cart Checking, Supply Management) have been developed. Research methods used to develop the classification include content analysis, expert survey, focus group review, similarity analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. The research, conducted by a large team of investigators at the University of Iowa and supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research, is ongoing. Since the 1992 publication, approximately 50 additional interventions have been developed, a taxonomic structure has been constructed and validated, a feedback and review system has been established and implemented, NIC interventions have been linked to nursing diagnoses, and five clinical agencies are serving as field sites to study the implementation process of NIC in nursing information systems. A numerical coding system for the interventions will be available in 1995. A second edition of the NIC book is in early preparation and will be available from Mosby-Year Book in early 1996. NIC facilitates the implementation of a Nursing Minimum Data Set. The use of NIC to plan and document care will facilitate the collection of large databases that will allow us to study the effectiveness and cost of nursing treatments. The use of standardized language provides for the continuity of care and enhances communication between nurses and other providers. NIC provides nursing with the treatment language that is essential for the computerized health care record. The domains and classes provide a description of the essence of nursing. NIC is helpful in representing nursing to the public and in socializing students to the profession. The coded interventions can be used in documentation and in reimbursement. For the first time in the history of nursing, nurses have a language which can be used to describe their treatments. The language is comprehensive and can be used by nurses in all settings and in all specialties. poster, giving an overview of the development of NIC, will be accompanied by a display of books and publications about NIC and its use.

Information Systems↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment modality selection in 150 consecutive patients starting ESRD therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the reasons for treatment modality selection between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in 150 consecutive patients in a single center. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective study using chart review as the data collection method. SETTING: A single tertiary care university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and fifty consecutive patients starting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) therapy at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal were assessed. Their treatment modality at 6 weeks after starting dialysis was recorded as their treatment modality. Patients transplanted or who died prior to that 6-week period were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The treatment modality, that is, either HD or PD, at 6 weeks after the initiation of ESRD was the modality assigned to the patient. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients started ESRD therapy of whom 83 went to HD and 67 to PD. Thirty-one patients were directed to HD, including 20 for social reasons, 3 with ostomies, and 6 with unsuitable abdomens. Fourteen patients were directed to PD, including 10 with severe cardiovascular disease, 3 with no vascular access, and one for geographical reasons. Of 31 diabetics who were encouraged to do PD, 17 went to PD and 14 to HD (10 for social reasons, 3 refused PD, and one with an inappropriate abdomen). Seventy-four patients were initially eligible for either PD or HD. Fifty percent (37) went to PD and 50% to HD. Of those going to HD, 15 went to self-care HD, of whom 7 had prior exposure to HD. Eleven were not informed regarding PD. There was no gender preference for PD versus HD. CONCLUSION: We conclude that among informed patients, if given a choice of treatment modality, the majority will choose self-care dialysis including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or self-care HD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Surgical treatment of intestinal complications of pelvic radiotherapy].

One hundred forty patients treated for intestinal complications of pelvic irradiation are presented. The most common clinical expression was radiation rectitis, complicated with rectovaginal fistulas in 58% of cases. These patients were subjected to Parks procedure for fistula repair with satisfactory results. Half the operated patients remained with an ostomy as a definitive sequel and overall perioperative mortality in these patients was 10%. Radiation enteritis has a high operative mortality due to delays in diagnosis and to severe septic complications. It must be suspected in irradiated patients presenting with chronic diarrhea and weight loss. Urological complications and involvement of several intestinal segments are bad prognostic factors. Resections and anastomoses with undamaged segments are the safest surgical procedures. Improvements of radiation techniques and the use of a reabsorbable mesh to seal the pelvis during radiation therapy are adequate preventive measures.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Enteral nutrition: reduction in the contamination risk].

Enteral nutrition is used as a routine therapy in patients with caloric-protein malnutrition, severe dysphagia, major burns, intestinal resection, and enterocutaneous fistulae, as long as a portion of the digestive tract still has an active absorptive function. The administration takes place by means of surgical (ostomies) or non-surgical (nasogastric) tubes. In our country, a significant number of hospitalized patients with various diseases receive this type of nutrition. Given that the colonization of the digestive tract by hospital flora is the first step towards developing intra-hospital infections, the contamination implies serious risks. The objective of this study was to study the most appropriate conditions for the manufacturing, storage and administration of the mixture of nutrients of enteral nutrition, to guarantee nutrition with a lower contamination risk. This study was conducted by the Unit of Nutritional Assistance of the Mater Dei Clinic, by means of bacteriological controls, from January 1991 to December 1992, and in 1993 in which the work systematics were reviewed. The study was prospective, and those solutions whose bacteriological counts were lower than 100.000 colony forming units (CFU), and which showed an absence of enteropathological micro-organisms, were considered acceptable, and those solutions which had a bacteriological count greater than or equal to 100.000 CFU and or the presence of enteropathological micro-organisms, were considered unacceptable. During the first period, "usual working conditions", we analyzed the infra-structure, the personnel, the constituents, and the apparatus used in the manufacturing, for which 36 samples were studied at t0 (moment of preparation). Afterwards, in the second period "special working conditions", we analyzed the manufacturing procedures, the storage and the administration of 103 solutions, corresponding to 36 patients, taking samples at t0 and t24 (after 24 hours of preparing). In the first phase, we found a 53% contamination. In the second phase, 99.03% of the solutions were within the limits of acceptability, and only 0.07% were unacceptable. We conclude that it is necessary to have access to a working area which meets the biosecurity norms, to use sterile technique in the preparation, to prefer pharmacologically sterile products for the preparation, to store the prepared mixture between 4 and 8 degrees C, and to keep it cooled during the administration. Lastly, we saw the need to continuously capacitate the nursing, dietary (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Argentina↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with head and neck neoplasms. Evaluation of a new gastrostomy].

Since their aparition in 1980, percutaneus endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), represented a dramatic impact in the enteral nutrition thecnics and their indication have expanded. The PEG have many advantages over the surgical gastrostomy. In this paper, we present our experience with the use of PEG in patients with head and neck cancer using a new home made gastrostome. Included were 61 patients 37 males (64.8%), 21 females (36.2%) with ages betwen 11 and 72 years. In 3 patients the PEG was not intended because tight esophageal stenoses. The PEG was completed in 56 cases (91.8%). In 5 patients (8.6%) there were minor complications (4 infections and 1 patient with pain). We have only one case of major complication which consisted in migration of gastrotome to the abdominal wall (Buried Bumper Syndrome). The gastrostome was patent between 15 and 312 days with a median of 125 days. The gastrostomies was made with siliconed 22Fr Foley catheter, crazy glue, and plastic tops. The Foley catheter is acid resistant and not deteriorate like other materials like latex. There was not adverse reaction at the ostomy site. The cost of the kit is about 11 US$ and the commercial kit is 125 US$, on the other hand the internal diameter is 15% wider than the commercial one.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Comparative study of 2-piece colostomy systems (ConvaTec Combihesive Flexible, Coloplast 2002 and Hollister Guardian in the Czech Republic)].

In three surgical centres in the Czech Republik three modern two-piece colostomic systems where compared which are at present available in the Czech republik, incl. an attempt to assess how they influence the quality of life of the patients. The investigation comprised 117 patients mean age 59 years-93 after colostomy, 13 with ileostomy. The investigated systems were ConvaTec Combihesive Flexible, Coloplast 2002, Hollister Guardian two-piece ostomy systems with a closed sac and inner filter. The main investigated parameters were: tolerance of the products, preference expressed by the patient, the state of the skin beneath the plaster and the index of general health (GWBI). From the investigation ensued that in the Czech Republic the system ConvaTec Combihesive proved very useful and there probably will not be a demand for a change to another system offered by distinguished producers, as such a change would not entail any advantages. It was revealed that when the ConvaTec Combihesive system is used, the skin is maintained in a good condition which has a favourable impact on the feeling of wellbeing and improves the quality of life.

Colostomy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Complications in colon and rectal surgery. Early diagnosis and management.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for colon and rectum has significant complications. PURPOSE: This review article was undertaken to discuss the prevention, recognition, and management of the most common complications after colon and rectal surgery. RESULTS: Some serious complications such as anastomotic leak and wound infection can be minimized with good bowel preparation, proper use of antibiotics, good technique, and judgment. Complications such as bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction can also be minimized by the proper anatomic dissection which can avoid an unnecessary disruption of the pelvic nerves. Some complications can even be prevented: a splenic injury can be prevented by an adequate exposure, avoiding traction of the greater omentum, and first dividing the adhesions of omentum to the spleen before a full mobilization of the colon; necrosis and retraction of colostomy and ileostomy, especially in obese patients, can be prevented by an adequate mobilization to avoid tension and attention to the blood supply to the entire length of the ostomy limb. Some complications are unavoidable: massive life-threatening intraoperative pelvic bleeding from basivertebral veins requires a thumbtack occlusion; when to operate on on patients with a prolongated postoperative small bowel obstruction requires a good judgment and skill. CONCLUSIONS: An appropriate knowledge of common and uncommon complications following colon and rectal surgery should permit a successful management.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1996

Blunt traumatic injuries to the colon and rectum.

BACKGROUND: Experience in the treatment of patients with blunt colonic injuries is based on isolated case reports, and it is unclear whether the principles that guide the management of penetrating colonic injuries should be applied to these patients. Reviews of patients with these injuries suggest that such injuries present unique problems for diagnosis and treatment and are accompanied by excessive morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: A 42-month retrospective case series was analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 27 patients were analyzed, accounting for 8.5 percent of all colon and rectal injuries and for 0.5 percent of total blunt trauma admissions. Automobile crashes were the cause of injuries in 20 patients (74 percent). The mean Injury Severity Score was 28. All but 2 patients were operated on within 3 hours after admission. No significant difference was found in the morbidity and mortality rates based on the operation performed to manage the colonic injury. Indications for early exploration included a positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage in 23 patients, abnormal radiologic findings in 2, and positive clinical abdominal findings in the remaining 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt colonic and rectal injuries are uncommon and pose problems for diagnosis and treatment. Associated injuries are common, and steering wheel compression of the upper abdomen as well as lap belts seem to predispose to colonic injuries. Initial diagnosis is made at the time of operation, and a thorough exploration of the abdominal cavity is important to diagnose associated injuries. Treatment must be individualized; however, based on our observations, the creation of ostomies is not mandatory for the treatment of these injuries.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1997

[Anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer].

A series of 377 consecutive patients were operated upon with low anterior resection for rectal cancer in the nine Danish departments of surgical gastroenterology during 1992-1993. A retrospective analysis was carried out to calculate the frequency of anastomotic leakage and to evaluate factors of potential influence on the development of leakage according to the literature. Sixty-three patients (17%) developed leakage, which was followed by an increased mortality within the first three postoperative months. Only two variables significantly influenced the leakage rate: male gender was associated with a higher leakage rate (p = 0.02), whereas departments with a low number of rectal cancer surgeons had a low rate of anastomotic leakage (p = 0.02). In conclusion, the rather high frequency of anastomotic leakage calls for further clinical and pathogenetic research in this field. Until then, we recommend the routine use of a peroperative leakage test and selective use of prophylactic ostomy in cases of unsatisfactory anastomosis. Furthermore, it is recommended that low anterior resection for rectal cancer is limited to few surgeons in each department in order to ensure a uniform quality and hopefully also thereby reduce the rate of anastomotic leakage.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of a pharmacist-based consult service on nutritional rehabilitation of nonambulatory patients with severe developmental disabilities.

A pharmacist consult service was developed to evaluate the appropriateness of enteral feeding through a permanent ostomy in 24 nonambulatory patients with severe developmental disabilities. Several problems with enteral nutrition were identified. Policies to improve them were instituted, and several educational presentations were made. Pharmacists' actions were implemented, including assessment of energy needs by indirect calorimetry and rearrangement of enteral feeding schedules to achieve optimal nutrition support and pharmacotherapy administration. By the fourth month of the consult service, body weight in these patients increased from 101 +/- 6% of baseline to 109 +/- 7% (p<0.05). Weight continued to increase through the seventh month of the consult service to 116 +/- 12% of baseline (p<0.0001). Measured resting energy expenditure for the group was 889 +/- 170 kcal/day compared with the predicted 1055 +/- 163 kcal/day.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy].

The laparoscopic approach has emerged as an alternative to trephine stoma construction. In the present series, eight patients underwent laparoscopic faecal diversion. We performed two endsigmoidostomies and six sigmoid loop ostomies. Indications for diversion included inoperable obstructing pelvic carcinoma in three patients, perianal fistulas in another three--and faecal incontinence in one patient. A temporary loop-sigmoidostomy was performed in one patient after anal sphincteroplasty. Three or four ports were used. After mobilisation, the sigmoid colon was pulled through the abdominal wall. When an end-sigmoidostomy was performed the bowel was transected intra-abdominally. There were no operative complications and all stomas functioned early and well. Laparoscopic sigmoidostomy is safe and allows intra-abdominal exploration and mobilisation of the colon without the inconvenience of a mid-line surgical wound.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Impact of surgery on quality of life in Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) status is an important component in assessing the impact of disease and its treatments in patients with chronic disorders. We recently validated a HRQOL questionnaire in French patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the impact of surgery on HRQOL in patients operated on for Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Twenty-six patients (14 women, 12 men; median age 28.5 yr) undergoing an elective ileocolonic resection for CD were studied. The HRQOL questionnaire comprised a general questionnaire of 36 items (Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form 36), to which was added a sleep module, and a specific questionnaire of 28 items (Rating Form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Concerns), to which were added three independent items because of their pertinence in the French population. HRQOL was assessed immediately preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: HRQOL was improved postoperatively compared with the immediate preoperative status in almost all scales. Patient concerns and worries decreased after surgery. However, ranking was unchanged for the five most intense concerns: having an ostomy bag, having surgery, energy level, uncertainty of the disease, and pain or suffering. CONCLUSIONS: HRQOL is greatly improved after surgery for CD, and this reassuring message might be delivered to our patients. In addition, the questionnaire showed the ability to detect clinical changes over time. This attests to its potential use in research.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Pyoderma gangrenosum following cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease that can develop after minor trauma or surgery. Most reports of this condition developing after abdominal surgery have been reported following ostomy formation. A number of systemic diseases have been associated with this disorder, most commonly inflammatory bowel disease, though 40-50% of cases have no associated systemic disease. CASE: A 32-year-old woman developed spiking fever and purulent appearing wound discharge with a rolled erythematous border after cesarean delivery. Her condition worsened despite various regimens of intravenous antibiotics and local treatment. Pyoderma gangrenosum was diagnosed. Treatment with steroids resolved the lesion, and associated systemic diseases were not found. CONCLUSION: Consideration of the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum in cases of apparent wound infections unresponsive to antibiotics should result in early diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy. Experience and its role in domiciliary enteral nutrition].

UNLABELLED: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) and its variation Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrojejunostomy (PEGJ), has become the method of choice to achieve an enteral access route in patients who require long term enteral nutrition, especially in the area of the At Home Enteral Nutrition (AHEN). We present our experience on the first PEG's and PEGJ's carried out in our hospital. MATERIAL: We studied 48 patients (14 women and 34 men) in whom a PEG/Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrojejunostomy (PEGJ) was indicated, as they required enteral nutrition for prolonged periods of time (> 4 weeks) and/or they presented obstructive dysphagia, neuromotor dysphagia, or incorrigible vomiting in the two cases in whom PEGJ was carried out. 34 patients underwent the Ponsky-Gauderer technique, 6 patients underwent the Sacks-Vine technique, and 2 patients underwent a PEGJ. 24 hours after the PEGJ enteral nutrition (EN) was begun in a progressive manner. During the hospitalization period there was a daily follow up of the patient. In those cases in which At Home Enteral Nutrition was programmed, the patients/families were trained in the techniques and the care of the PEG and the EN, and the control was carried out through the Nutrition out patient department. RESULTS: PEG was successfully carried out in 42 patients (88%). 35 patients had previously been given EN through a naso-gastric tube (NGT), while in 7 cases the PEG was the first enteral access route. The average duration of the PEG was 212 days, and 27 patients (64%) needed the PEG for more than 3 months. The mean caloric supply was 1921 +/- 200 kcal/day. The mode of administration was by means of an intermittent infusion by gravity in 31 cases, and by continuous infusion using a volumetric pump in 11 patients. Two patients with pregnancy induced hyperemesis underwent a PEGJ in the 3rd and the 4th month of pregnancy, with the pregnancy being successfully brought to term and ending in vaginal deliveries. Carrying out a PEG permitted release from hospital and the programming of At Home Enteral Nutrition in 30 patients. With respect to the evolution of the patients, 22 patients have died during the course of the study. 18 patients remain in follow up in an ambulatory Enteral Nutrition program, and in the two patients with pregnancy induced hyperemesis, the PEGJ was removed after the pregnancy was successfully ended. There were no complications of any kind in 21 patients. The most common complication was the infection of the gastrostomy, which occurred in 13 patients. There was an accidental removal of the gastrostomy tube in 3 patients. In 3 cases there was an eversion of the gastric mucosa through the ostomy within the first 24-hours, and 20 days after the PEG respectively. In 2 cases there was an incarceration of the gastrostomy tube in the abdominal wall. Only two patients showed an important reflux of the gastric contents. There were no deaths as a result of PEG complications. CONCLUSION: From our experience we can conclude the advantages of PEG as a long term nutritional support, showing a low incidence of complications, and the endoscopic technique has a zero mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[2-stage surgery of neoplastic left colonic obstruction remains the safest procedure].

From January 1989 to December 1996, 56 consecutive patients underwent emergency surgery for occlusive cancer of the left colon. Excepting 12 patients whose symptomatology and radiographic presentation required medial laparotomy, the elective procedure was initial colostomy. There were 11 men and 33 women, mean age 76 years (range 50-97). Two patients in poor general status (ASA III) died during the postoperative period. Among the 42 survivors, the second procedure was not performed because of poor general status or disease progression in 6. Mean delay to the second procedure for resection was 11.5 days; during the same hospitalization for 32 out of 36 patients. The second procedure was segmentary colectomy in 34 cases and limited to exploratory laparatomy because of inextricable lesions in 2. Among the 34 re-operations with segmentary colectomy, the ostomy was removed in 28 at the second procedure and a third procedure was required in 6 cases. All the anastomoses in this series were sutured manually. Mortality for re-operation was nil. Pathology results (Duke's classification) in the 36 reoperated patients was: stage B = 3, stage C = 19, stage D = 14. In this series, operative mortality only concerned those patients whose condition was incompatible with selective surgery for colostomy. This risk cannot be lowered by any, other surgical approach. For the 34 resection-anastomosis elective operations, no major complications or deaths were observed. These results led us to recommend two stage surgery as routine strategy since survival of all those patients capable of sustaining an elective colostomy in an emergency setting can be assured.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Six-year experience with Swan neck presternal peritoneal dialysis catheter.

BACKGROUND: The presternal peritoneal catheter is composed of two silicone rubber tubes joined by a titanium connector at the time of implantation, and has an exit on the chest. OBJECTIVE: Comparison of survival and complication rates of Swan neck abdominal catheters with those of the presternal catheter. DESIGN: Nonrandomized study with prospective collection of data between August 1991 and October 1997. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: In 57 patients, 58 presternal catheters and, in 81 patients, 86 abdominal catheters were implanted. Patients chose the type of catheter; however, obese individuals and those with ostomies and previous catheter problems were encouraged to opt for the presternal catheter. Others chose the presternal catheter in order to take tub baths or use a whirlpool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Life-table analyses of catheter survival censored for transplant, transfer, and death; reasons for catheter removal due to complications; and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Two-year survival probabilities were 0.95 and 0.75 for presternal and abdominal catheters, respectively. Nine abdominal catheters were removed due to exit/tunnel infections (including five with peritonitis), and four due to peritonitis. External cuff shaving in four presternal catheters has extended survival for more than 1 year. Four presternal catheters were removed due to peritonitis. No catheters in either group were lost due to leakage or obstruction. The peritonitis rate was 1 episode per 37.4 patient-months and 1/20.5 patient-months for presternal and abdominal catheters, respectively. These differences are not significant. Patient acceptance of the presternal catheters was excellent; in the latest period, from January to October 1997, presternal catheters were chosen by 15/24 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The trend to improved outcomes in presternal catheters continues to validate the rationale for presternal catheter design. Decreased frequency of exit/tunnel infection may be due to more effective immobilization on the chest, less trauma, and avoidance of submersion in stagnant water. No specific contraindications to use of the presternal catheter have been identified.

Bacterial Infections↗