Comparison of two Catheters for Peritoneal Access in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Abstract

The results obtained by means of the Tenckhoff and the Toronto Western Hospital-type (TWH) indwelling catheters for peritoneal access in patients undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis are reported. Fifty-nine Tenckhoff catheters were used for 592 months and 24 TWH-type for 220 months. One-year catheter survival was 71% in the Tenckhoff group and 77% in the TWH group. The difference does not reach statistical significance. Moreover no statistically significant differences as regards complications could be found between the two catheter types. A major disadvantage was noted with the TWH catheter: on two occasions TWH catheters could not be removed without a laparotomy, being firmly adherent to the intestine or omentum. It is concluded that the TWH catheter is not a superior alternative to the Tenckhoff catheter for peritoneal access in patients undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis.