There was insufficient evidence to judge relative efficiency. The number of patients with at least one episode of peritonitis was significantly lower in patients using Y-set delivery systems. All but one study demonstrated a significant increase in the number of months per episode of peritonitis with the Y-set delivery systems. All studies showed a significant increase in the time to first episode of peritonitis with the Y-set system. No study addressed technique failure.
Benefits are achievable at extra cost.
There were no significant differences in the number of patients with peritonitis, catheter exit-site infections or catheter tunnel infections. Fewer patients on CCPD needed to change dialysis technique but this was not statistically significant. Patient preference could not be adequately assessed because of the parallel group trial design. The estimated cost per episode of peritonitis avoided is considerable. No relevant RCTs were identified.