A simple method to prevent peritoneal dialysis catheter tip migration.

BACKGROUND

We report here a one-stitch fixation method that prevents catheter tip migration during implantation of the double-cuffed straight Tenckhoff catheter.

METHODS

From July 2003 to September 2005, 38 patients with end-stage renal disease underwent implantation of the double-cuff straight Tenckhoff catheter for peritoneal dialysis by this method.

RESULTS

No patient had catheter tip migration out of the true pelvis. No patient had pericatheter dialysate leakage or developed incisional hernia. Two patients (5.3%) experienced exit-site infection during the 2- and 5-month follow-up and they recovered well after wound care. Three patients (7.9%) developed peritonitis during the 3-day and 2- and 6-month follow-up; the conditions were controlled after antibiotic care. One patient (2.6%) experienced mechanical catheter obstruction during the 10-day follow-up due to omental wrapping; surgical revision was necessitated.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the method is an easy, safe, and effective technique for preventing catheter tip migration.