Caruso DM, Gray DL, Kohr JM, Gregory MW, Weiland DE, Vander Werf BA
Cost efficiency of temporary subcutaneous implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheter
17th Annual CAPD Conference
Perit Dial Int Suppl 1 (Feb) 17:S73 1997

In the experience of this clinic, subcutaneous implantation of PD catheters (Moncrief technique) with exteriorization at a subsequent operation results in a 20% higher success rate at 1 year (85% vs. 65%) compared to PD catheters that are exteriorized for immediate use. However, one needs also to look at the cost issues of the second operation, and also of costs of performing hemodialysis during the 6-week maturation period of the subcutaneous tunnel.

Using decision tree analysis, and assuming a cost of 4.5 thousand dollars (K) for the two operations using the Moncrief technique plus Permcath placement vs. a cost of 2.5 thousand for standard catheter placement, and a cost of 5K for 6 weeks of HD vs. 4K for 6 weeks of PD, and a cost of 11K for a failed PD access, it was found that use of the Moncrief technique was not cost effective; although catheter failure rate was reduced, overall use of this method increased the cost of PD by $834/catheter.

Comment: This is a believable analysis, to which must be added the costs of failed Permcaths, infected Permcaths, etc. Perhaps the Moncrief method should be reserved for situations where PD catheters are placed electively in patients not quite yet requiring dialysis. (John T. Daugirdas, M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago)

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17th Annual CAPD Conference
Basic peritoneal dialysis : PD catheters