The 'Pull' Technique for Removal of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters: A Call for Re-Evaluation of Practice Standards.

♦ BACKGROUND: The most commonly used peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters have silicon tubing with attached Dacron cuffs. The current standard of care for PD catheter removal is by complete surgical dissection, withdrawing both the tubing and the cuffs. The intention is to avoid infection of any residual part of the catheter.