Correction of displaced peritoneal dialysis catheters with an angular stiff rod

Fluoroscopically guided guidewire manipulations are readily available and inexpensive methods of correcting malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters, with reported success rates ranging from 25% to 67%.

To improve the success rates of guidewire manipulations with a modified technique.

Using a stiff rod and a stiff wire under fluoroscopy guidance, catheters that had migrated were drawn back into the rectovesical pouch. An angular rod was used to lever the catheter downward, and the guidewire was used to push the catheter down.

No complications developed, and immediate success was achieved in 13 of 14 interventions. With this technique, catheter patency in chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients (11/12) was higher than that of previously reported methods. Durable success was maintained in nine of 12 patients after a single intervention. All re-manipulations (2/2) were successful.

Although used in only 14 interventions in 12 patients, the outcome was promising. This method is a safe and favorable alternative to other guidewire manipulations, based on absence of complications and high success.