Dislocation of the peritoneal dialysis catheter

Abstract

In 54 PD patients with adequately functioning PD catheters its location and residual volume (RV) in peritoneal cavity after drainage (566 ± 224 ml) were related with delivered dialysis dose, ultrafiltration (UF) stability, peritoneal transport parameters and PD solutions osmolarity. RV has reverse correlation with the parameters defining UF instability and borderline relationship with the level of catheter location in peritoneal cavity. The catheter position was directly linked with PD solutions osmolarity. High level of peritoneal dialysis catheter location in the cavity is quite frequent in PD patients without catheter dysfunction and usually does not worsen PD effectiveness. Nevertheless, the high catheter level and significant residual dialyzate volume can contribute to delivered dose reduction and insufficient fluid removal. Correlation between catheter dysfunction and the level of catheter position should be confirmed by large RV. In cases where conservative measures are insufficient, catheter should be lowered down using laparoscopic technique with fixing its distal part in specially created pleat (fold). Open surgical technique does not allow catheter fixing and is associated with repeated floating up of the catheter tip.