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.

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