OUTCOME OF TUNNELED HEMODIALYSIS CATHETERS PLACED BY RADIOLOGISTS

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of hemodialysis catheters placed by i nterventional radiologists with those placed by surgeons. MATERIALS AN D METHODS: The outcomes were retrospectively analyzed of 237 hemodialy sis catheters placed in 140 patients by a radiology service from Janua ry 1991 through December 1992. Follow-up data were available for 222 c atheters (94%). Catheter secondary patency and freedom from infection were analyzed statistically and by means of life-table analysis. RESUL TS: Pneumothorax occurred after the placement of six catheters (2.5%); in two patients, a chest tube was required for decompression. Other s hort-term complications included air embolism with no clinical sequela e (two procedures) and prolonged oozing from the tunnel (two procedure s). Long-term complications included infection and catheter failure. I nfection occurred in 26 patients (18%) with 32 catheters (14%) and res ulted in removal of 25 catheters. Ninety-three catheters (42%) failed, and 63 catheters (28%) were removed because of failure. CONCLUSION: H emodialysis catheters placed by radiologists do not have a higher rate of complications or failure than catheters placed by surgeons.