Comparison of temporary and permanent catheters for acute peritoneal dialysis

The records of 64 children who underwent acute peritoneal dialysis in the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, between 1 January 1982 and 31 December 1985 were reviewed. Rigid Trocath catheters were used in 33 patients and silastic Tenckhoff catheters in 34. The groups were comparable for age, weight, primary disease, duration of dialysis, and outcome. There were no significant differences in the incidences of leakage of dialysate, two way obstruction, bleeding, or peritonitis. Among those who had Trocath catheters there were significantly more episodes of outflow obstruction, and significantly more patients required two or more catheter insertions (12 of 33 compared with one of 34 among those who had Tenckhoff catheters). Furthermore, more catheters were removed because of complications (19 of 33 compared with five of 34 respectively). One patient who had a Tenckhoff catheter died of peritonitis directly related to insertion of the catheter. Overall, the Tenckhoff catheter was associated with fewer complications and is recommended for most patients.