Peritoneal dialysis catheter removal by nephrologists: technical aspect from a single center.

Abstract

Despite improvements in peritoneal dialysis (PD) techniques during past years, PD-related problems may still warrant removal of the catheter. Mechanical catheter problems, persistent or relapsing peritonitis, and exitsite infections are the most common causes of removal. PD catheters may also be removed after successful renal transplantation. Recent data reported by Asif emphasized that the most common PD access procedures performed by nephrologists include PD catheter insertion, removal, and repositioning (1). Traditionally, PD catheter removal and repositioning are performed by surgeons. Due to surgeons’ long waiting lists, there is usually a delay in the procedure, with adverse effects on outcome. Therefore, we set out to introduce a technique for removal of Tenckhoff PD catheters described by Ash (2). We retrospectively evaluated the PD catheter removal procedures that were performed by nephrologists in our clinic.