Simultaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion and removal in catheter-related infections without interruption of peritoneal dialysis.

Catheter-related infections result in high patient morbidity, the need for temporary haemodialysis, and high costs. These infections are the main cause of limited technique survival in peritoneal dialysis. We introduced a protocol for the simultaneous peritoneoscopic insertion and removal of peritoneal catheters in patients with catheter-related infections. Peritoneal dialysis was continued the day after surgery using low-volume dwells and a dry abdomen during the daytime. The dialysate leukocyte count had to be below 100/mm3 before exchanging catheters, which was performed under antibiotic therapy based on culture sensitivity. The old catheter was removed after the new catheter had been inserted in the opposite abdominal region. CAPD patients were switched to APD for 1 week, which made prolonged hospitalization necessary. Simultaneous catheter insertion and removal was performed 25 times in 22 patients on CCPD and 15 times in 14 patients on CAPD. In CCPD patients, peritoneal dialysis was restarted after 1.0+/-0.1 days in 24 cases. One patient had sufficient residual renal function and discontinued CCPD until day 10. In 10 CAPD patients (11 procedures) APD was started 1.3+/-0.2 days after the procedure with CAPD beginning 7.1+/-0.6 days thereafter. Three CAPD patients preferred haemodialysis and restarted CAPD 10.0+/-2.1 days after surgery. One patient continued CAPD the day after surgery. In addition to minor complications (e.g. position-dependent outflow problems), dialysate leakage occurred in two patients. Two patients developed peritonitis within the first 30 days after surgery, one of which was procedure related. One patient had severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding 2 weeks after the procedure, which was not related to the catheter replacement. Ultimately, in 38 of 40 procedures the patients could successfully continue peritoneal dialysis. We conclude that simultaneous insertion and removal of a peritoneal dialysis catheter without interruption of peritoneal dialysis is a safe procedure in patients with catheter-related infections.