Radiologic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters: preliminary experience

The authors percutaneously placed 45 catheters for peritoneal dialysis in 32 patients, aged 31-83 years, in a radiology department. In all patients, the procedure was modified by use of the Hawkins needle, and in response to the high frequency of extrusion of the proximal cuff, the deep cuff of the 16th and each subsequent catheter was sutured to the rectus muscle or fascia. After 17 catheters were placed, the catheter was modified with a permanent bend, or "U" neck, between the two cuffs, which were then thickened. All procedures were performed with use of local anesthesia, and all catheters were successfully placed. Acute complications included bowel perforation associated with peritonitis in one patient (2%). Delayed complications included cuff extrusion in nine patients (20%), obstruction in nine patients (20%), and peritonitis requiring removal of the catheter in three patients (7%). This study shows the feasibility of percutaneous placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters by radiologists despite the need for improved technique and equipment.