Outcome of tunneled hemodialysis catheters placed by radiologists.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of hemodialysis catheters placed by interventional radiologists with those placed by surgeons.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The outcomes were retrospectively analyzed of 237 hemodialysis catheters placed in 140 patients by a radiology service from January 1991 through December 1992. Follow-up data were available for 222 catheters (94%). Catheter secondary patency and freedom from infection were analyzed statistically and by means of life-table analysis.

RESULTS

Pneumothorax occurred after the placement of six catheters (2.5%); in two patients, a chest tube was required for decompression. Other short-term complications included air embolism with no clinical sequelae (two procedures) and prolonged oozing from the tunnel (two procedures). Long-term complications included infection and catheter failure. Infection occurred in 26 patients (18%) with 32 catheters (14%) and resulted in removal of 25 catheters. Ninety-three catheters (42%) failed, and 63 catheters (28%) were removed because of failure.

CONCLUSION

Hemodialysis catheters placed by radiologists do not have a higher rate of complications or failure than catheters placed by surgeons.