ISTANBUL—Radiological insertion of Tenckhoff catheters for peritoneal dialysis in lieu of conventional laparoscopic insertion offers improved access for catheter placement in a timely manner, researchers reported at the 50th Congress of the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association.
In addition, radiological insertion has a high technical success rate and can be performed safely on an outpatient basis.
Trung Quach, MD, a consultant nephrologist at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues reviewed all 30 Argyle swan neck Tenckhoff catheters that were inserted radiologically at their institution over a recent 12-month period. At their center, Tenckhoff catheters have always been inserted laparoscopically by surgeons under general anesthesia. The procedure can be time consuming and requires prior consultation with a surgeon and anesthesiologist. In addition, the patient typically needs to stay in the hospital at least overnight and possibly longer. In contrast, radiological insertion of Tenckhoff catheters can be done under local anesthetic and sedation without the need for hospitalization.
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Dr. Quach reported that all catheters in his series were inserted successfully. No patient experienced peritonitis or exit site infection, which probably is due to strict adherence to sterile techniques, he said. No catheter leakages occurred.
Catheter migration occurred in four patients (13.3%), but only one patient needed surgical intervention. The catheter was successfully repositioned without further complications.
The most common complications were pain and bleeding around the exit site, both of which were short-term.
