Practical peritoneal dialysis--the Tenckhoff catheter in acute renal failure

The problem of acquiring secure peritoneal access encompasses most of the history of peritoneal dialysis. We review the catheters available for children and describe a simple method of insertion of Tenckhoff catheters for acute dialysis. Two series of Tenckhoff catheters inserted in this way are presented and compared with results obtained with trocar- and guidewire-inserted catheters. Tenckhoff catheters inserted as described allow significantly longer periods of dialysis (P < 0.02) with significantly fewer problem episodes (P < 0.001). We conclude that the use of the Tenckhoff catheter for acute dialysis, when inserted in the way described, confers significant advantages over other catheters and permits secure peritoneal access.