Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement and Management

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an alternative to hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The main function of a peritoneal dialysis catheter is to permit consistent bidirectional flow of dialysate into intraabdominal peritoneal cavity without obstruction or undue discomfort [1]. Most catheters are flexible tubes with multiple ports in the intraabdo‐ minal segment which is ideally positioned freely in the intraabdominal pelvic area. The catheter's function depends upon its design, implantation site, and the configuration of the system used to perform dialysis exchanges, and also be directly related to skill of catheter placement doctors, catheter-related problems and infections are responsible for approximately 20% of implantation technique failure [2]. 12 contents of this chapter are types of catheters, considerations in catheter placement, exit site location, exit site size, antibiotic prophylaxis, implantation technique, postoperative catheter care, exit site care, complication, repositioning migrated peritoneal dialysis catheters, brief information for patients, recommendations.