Lyon Hospitals Pioneer Simplified Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement
Lyon, April 18 – The Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) are taking a significant step forward in the treatment of patients suffering from kidney failure. At Édouard Herriot Hospital, an innovative technique now allows for simpler, faster, and less invasive placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters. Lyon has become the third university hospital center in France to offer this advanced approach.
Simplified Catheter Placement
Previously, peritoneal dialysis catheter placement often required major surgical intervention in the operating room under general anesthesia. The new technique, however, changes this paradigm entirely.
The procedure now lasts approximately 45 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia, and is done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Crucially, the intervention is carried out directly by nephrologists (kidney specialists), streamlining the process.
This simplification opens up access to peritoneal dialysis for a greater number of patients, particularly those for whom general anesthesia presented a significant risk.
More Autonomous Treatment for Patients
Once trained, patients can perform their dialysis at home, typically three times a day, or opt for automated nocturnal dialysis. They receive regular follow-up and support from specialized teams, including the AURAL association. This approach promotes autonomy while ensuring safety, with a controlled risk of infection.
This method offers significant advantages, allowing patients to manage their treatment in a more flexible and personalized manner, integrating it better into their daily lives.
Diverse Patient Profiles Benefiting from the Innovation
Since early 2025, about twenty patients have already benefited from this technique in Lyon. Two distinct patient profiles have emerged: young patients awaiting transplants and older or more fragile individuals. All report a notable improvement in their quality of life, experiencing less fatigue and greater daily freedom.
Thi Quy HO, a patient followed at HEH, shared her experience: “Home peritoneal dialysis has changed my life. The procedure was quick, under local anesthesia, and I was able to go home the same day. Today, I am more autonomous, less tired, and I have been able to resume my professional activity while waiting for a transplant.”
A Still Marginal Practice in France
Despite its numerous medical advantages and lower cost, peritoneal dialysis remains underutilized in France. Currently, only 2.2% to 13% of dialysis patients use it, depending on the region. This situation is largely due to difficulties in accessing operating rooms for catheter placement, the frequent need for general anesthesia, and some patient reluctance towards home treatment.
A Project Poised for Expansion
The Lyon teams aim to train more professionals to expand this practice within HCL and across the wider regional area. A European study is also underway to evaluate the long-term results of this innovative approach.
With this innovation, Lyon reaffirms its role as a reference center in the development of home dialysis, a solution that is expected to become more widespread in the coming years. This initiative is a crucial step towards making advanced medical care more accessible and patient-friendly.
Source: actu.fr
