Complications after tenckhoff catheter insertion: a single-centre experience using multiple operators over four years

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Surgical Procedures
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Peritoneal dialysis is a crucial treatment for end-stage renal disease.
• Tenckhoff catheter insertion is a common procedure for peritoneal dialysis.
• Understanding potential complications is vital for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence and types of complications following Tenckhoff catheter insertion.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of the paramedian insertion technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 384 Tenckhoff catheter insertions between January 2004 and November 2007.
• Patients were followed for up to one month post-insertion.
• Exclusion criteria included specific surgical modifications and catheter anchoring.

Main Results:

• Catheter migration occurred in 7.6% of cases, the most common complication.
• Other complications included obstruction (5.7%), exit-site infection (6.3%), and wound infection (3.6%).
• The paramedian insertion technique demonstrated a low rate of serious complications, with no surgical deaths.

Conclusions:

• Catheter migration is the primary complication associated with Tenckhoff catheter insertion.
• The paramedian approach for Tenckhoff catheter placement is a safe method with a low overall complication profile.