A SALVAGE TECHNIQUE FOR CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS CATHETERS WITH EXIT SITE INFECTIONS

Catheter infection is a major complication of continuous ambulatory pe ritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy for end-stage renal disease. Catheter exit-site infections were treated with a new surgical technique consi sting of dissection and removal of the existing catheter in the subcut aneous layer, insertion of a catheter connector and new catheter piece , and creation of a new subcutaneous tunnel. The new surgery can be pe rformed on an outpatient basis and allows for the continuation of CAPD , thereby avoiding the cost associated with inpatient admission and in terim hemodialysis.