Nonsurgical implantation of Tenckhoff peritoneal catheters in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

From 1994 to 1998, 54 Tenckhoff peritoneal catheters were implanted in 49 patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The implantation technique included bedside insertion of peritoneal catheters via trocar under local anesthesia. Early and late complications of this technique were comparable with surgical techniques. Cumulative survival of all catheters was 91% after one year, 78% after two years, 71% after three years, and 68% after four years. Our results suggest that the percutaneous technique for insertion of peritoneal catheters remains an easy, safe, and useful technique in the management of end-stage renal disease patients.