abdominal catheter or presternal catheter for pd dialysis?????

[Charli]

I am going to be getting a catheter placed for pd dialysis. I have done all the research on this and had made peace with the tube in the stomach, but when I went for my consult with the surgeon he said because I have a little extra weight in the middle he felt the presternal (chest) catheter is better. I don't like the sound of that at all especially for a women, right between the breast (yuck). I've tried looking up info on it and found one site with a guy, but other than that everyone has the stomach one. I've asked at the davita discussion groups and other discussion groups, looked online like crazy for someone who's had the chest one and everyone has the stomach one.  I want to feel comfortable with what I'm getting and I just haven't made peace with the chest one... Help... Anyone out there have a presternal catheter or know any information on it??
Thanks,
Charli

[David13]

Charli, I found some information for you on the preternal catheter at www.homedialysis.org.  This is a great site for information.

Here is an excerpt:

Presternal catheter
A presternal catheter is placed in the chest wall, and the tip reaches down into the abdomen. The chest is thinner and less germy than the abdomen, so infection is less likely. Chest skin also moves less than belly skin, so a presternal catheter is a good choice for a child or for someone who is heavy. You can take tub baths with a presternal catheter, if you keep it out of the bath water. Swimming is not suggested.

Before you get a presternal catheter, you'll be asked if you prefer it to exit on the right or left side. If you are a woman, be sure to avoid your bra area so the catheter will not rub. You will be given antibiotics through an intravenous within 24 hours before the catheter is placed. Using anesthesia, small (3-4 cm) cuts are made at the second and third rib and on the abdomen. Two parts of the catheter are inserted and held in place with a titanium connector. Pockets are made under the skin for the cuffs.

[Wattle]

I have a little extra weight in the middle he felt the presternal (chest) catheter is better.

How much is a "little extra weight"? I also have a "little extra weight" and two huge PKD kidneys filling out my spare tyre around my middle.     I would still be requesting the stomach catheter. Ask for a second opinion if you have too.