Minilaparotomy salvage of malfunctioning catheters in peritoneal dialysis

Background: Catheter malfunction is a common and significant complication during peritoneal dialysis (PD). We developed a minilaparotomy procedure to rescue malfunctioning catheters and to prevent recurrence of malfunction. Methods: From 2006 to 2011, 11 patients receiving PD had a malfunctioning catheter. In all patients, a 2-cm incision, 5 cm caudally to the previous peritoneal entry site was used to correct the malfunctioning catheter, with concomitant fixation of the catheter to the peritoneum. Results: Catheter tip migration occurred in 7 patients, omental wrapping in 3, and blood clot obstruction in 1. The mean onset time to catheter malfunction was 197.5 days (range: 4 - 1270 days), and the mean operating time was 41 minutes (range: 35 - 56 minutes). There was no recurrence of catheter malfunction and no surgery-related peritonitis. Conclusions: Our minilaparotomy procedure is safe and feasible for the salvage of malfunctioning PD catheters.