Blind bedside peritoneal dialysis catheter repositioning: An innovative technique

Catheter malfunction in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients may lead to technique failure. Surgical repositioning is sometimes required for resumption of PD and is associated with additional costs of procedure and hospitalization. Meanwhile, patients may need hemodialysis via a temporary vascular catheter with increasing costs and risk of catheter-associated bacteremia. We describe an innovative technique of blind bedside PD catheter repositioning as a possible alternative to surgical repositioning when there is catheter malfunction. In 29 patients over a period of 3 years, we attempted blind bedside PD catheter repositioning with immediate successful inflow and outflow in all of them after repositioning. At 1 month, 21 (72.4%) patients had good catheter function and at 6 months, 19 (65.5%) patients were continuing successful PD. This bedside innovative procedure allowed for catheter salvage without constructing a new exit site or tunnel and without the requirement of a break-in period. The benefits to the patient in terms of cost and shortened hospital stay make it ideal for resource-poor settings. We suggest that this innovative technique be attempted before resorting to the open surgical method of PD catheter repositioning.