Catheter configuration and outcome in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a prospective comparison of two catheters.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of peritoneal catheter configuration on mechanical complications, catheter survival, probability of episodes of peritonitis, and probability of exit-site infections associated with the use of catheters for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).


METHODS
Prospective randomized trial.


METHODS
CAPD unit in one university hospital.


METHODS
Forty consecutive patients requiring a dialysis catheter for future CAPD were randomized to receive either a single-cuff straight Tenckhoff catheter or a permanently bent single-cuff Swan neck catheter. The skin exit was upward-directed in the Tenckhoff group and downward-directed in the Swan neck group.


RESULTS
Dialysate leak occurred in one patient and symptomatic catheter tip migration in 3 patients with the Tenckhoff catheter but in none with the single-cuff Swan neck catheter (p = 0.5, p = 0.12). No significant differences in catheter survival at 2 years, probability of episodes of peritonitis, or probability of exit-site infections could be demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
Catheter configuration did not influence the catheter-related mechanical or infectious complications. We were unable to demonstrate any advantage of the newer, permanently bent single-cuff Swan neck catheter over the conventional straight type.
Eklund
B H
BH
Fourth Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Honkanen
E O
EO
Kala
A R
AR
Kyllönen
L E
LE
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000601:surgery; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome