A Prospective Randomized Trial of the Lazarus-Nelson vs. the Standard Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter for Peritoneal Lavage in Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Authors:
  • TSThomas H. Schwarcz
    Thomas H. Schwarcz
  • DPDavid B. Pilcher
    David B. Pilcher
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Abstract
One hundred consecutive injured patients with blunt abdominal trauma requiring peritoneal lavage were prospectively randomized to placement of lavage catheters with an open or percutaneous technique. The Lazarus-Nelson catheter, placed by Seldinger wire technique, was compared to a standard dialysis catheter, placed by direct visualization and incision of the peritoneum. Placement of the catheter was consistently faster using the percutaneous method; no difference was noted in time of lavage, volume recovered, or complications. When not contraindicated, the percutaneous technique was widely preferred by study participants.