Peritoneal dialysis catheterization with an upward tunnel and exit site: An observational study.

Background: The preferred techniques for peritoneal dialysis catheterization are uncertain. Catheter implantation with formation of an inferiorly-directed tunnel and exit site is widely recommended to reduce the risk of infective complications. We aimed to compare percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion using an upwardly-directed tract to catheter insertion using a downwardly-directed tract.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on consecutive peritoneal dialysis catheterizations over a 10-year period at a single centre. Participants were classified into two groups: catheter insertion with an upward tunnel and exit site versus insertion with a downward tunnel and exit site. The primary outcome was peritoneal dialysis catheter survival.

Results: There were 247 peritoneal dialysis catheters inserted during the study period. The median catheter survival was 18 months, with no difference between the two groups ( = 0.23). The 12-month catheter patency rates were 76% for catheters with an upward tract and 79% for catheters with a downward tract ( = 0.15). Multivariate analysis identified no clinical factors predictive of catheter survival. A downward catheter tunnel and exit site was associated with an increased incidence of peritonitis (0.23 vs 0.11 episodes per year;  ⩽ 0.01).

Conclusion: In this study, percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion with an upward tunnel and exit site demonstrated similar catheter survival to insertion with a downward tunnel and exit site and was not associated with increased infections.