Tenckhoff Catheter Repair by the Splicing Technique

Abstract

One of the main complications of the double-cuffed chronic peritoneal dialysis catheters is cuff erosion, with or without exit-site infection. We present a simple technique, which allows partial replacement of the external catheter segment with splicing. In addition it can be used to replace the intraperitoneal segment, leaving undisturbed the external segment and exit site. This technique can be carried out under local anesthesia, as an outpatient procedure, without interrupting treatment and with less trauma than total catheter replacement. This paper describes our experience with 20 external catheter replacements in 17 patients followed up to 20 months.