Risk factors associated with complications of palliative drainage of ascites with tunneled peritoneal catheters.

Background: Medically intractable ascites causes substantial distress in patients with palliative disease. Tunneled peritoneal catheters have been established as a feasible treatment option allowing patient-controlled paracentesis in a homecare setting. However, while a range of complications is associated with these drainages, risk factors for complications have not been identified so far.

Objectives: To explore potential risk factors associated with complications of tunneled peritoneal catheters.

Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.

Methods: Single-center cohort comprising 49 patients with palliative disease receiving 57 tunneled peritoneal catheters at a tertiary care hospital.

Results: Catheter placement was successful in all patients and associated with low numbers of severe complications. Our data suggest a higher risk for severe late complications in patients with benign disease, with drainage replacement, and when performed by less experienced physicians.

Conclusion: Tunneled peritoneal catheters are an effective and safe option to treat symptomatic ascites in patients with end-stage palliative disease. The indication should be carefully considered in patients with benign disease and after removal or dislocation of a previous catheter.