Reduction of Catheter Complications with Lateral Placement

Abstract

Lateral catheter placement of a double cuffed Tenckhoff catheter for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis accomplishes fixation of the internal cuff in the rectus muscle, and stabilization of the intercuff tunnel. This technique is associated with a low incidence of early dialysate leakage, tunnel infections and external cuff erosion, thus prolonging the effective life of the catheter. If the external cuffs become infected, these can be shaved-off to allow drainage of infection and preservation of the catheter. Lateral placement is preferred esthetically in adults, and allows near-normal sexual activity.