The ideal position of the peritoneal dialysis catheter is not always ideal.

Purpose: Peritoneal catheter dysfunction is a frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Traditionally, dysfunction has been attributed to catheter malposition, but whether the location of the catheter tip in the small pelvis really determines proper function is unclear.

Methods: We reviewed 900 abdominal X-ray images of PD patients from a 7-year period in two PD units that use different catheter types (straight and Swan Neck Curled).