Objective: To evaluate the effect of a modified method of percutaneous catheter placement without a break-in procedure on the development of catheter-related complications in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Design: A prospective, observational clinical study.
Setting: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) units of two university-based hospitals.
Patients and methods: This study included 51 consecutive patients on CAPD. A straight double-cuffed Tenckhoff catheter with a straight intraperitoneal segment was used, and all catheters were inserted using a modified percutaneous placement method under local anesthesia. The catheter was introduced directly into the deep pelvis through an intramuscular tract, which had been created by tapered dilators. Peritoneal dialysis was initiated immediately after catheter insertion without a break-in procedure. Catheter-related complications were surveyed during the 12 months after initiation of CAPD.
Results: Within the first month, only 1 pericatheter leakage (1.9%) was detected. There were no cases of visceral perforation or severe hemorrhage during catheter insertions. Catheter malfunction due to catheter tip migration, exit-site infection, and peritonitis developed in only 1.9%, 3.9%, and 3.9% of patients, respectively. After 1 month following catheter insertion, no further incidences of pericatheter leakage occurred during the follow-up period. All catheters, except one that was reinserted due to tip migration, survived throughout the study period.
Conclusion: The rates of pericatheter leakage and other catheter-related complications are relatively low in CAPD patients using our percutaneous catheter placement method without a break-in procedure. This procedure is comparatively simple and less invasive than other catheter placement methods, and allows for immediate start of PD after catheter insertion, without a break-in procedure.