In this study, we evaluate retrospectively five years experience with
the Swam Neck Missouri DC catheters. Sixty three catheters are placed
in 51 patients. The total observation period is 695.6 months and the a
verage time is 13,6 months per patient. The last 21 catheters are coil
ed type. Infectious complications remain the most worrisome problem in
peritoneal dialysis. Exit site infections are seen in 24%, tunnel inf
ections in 8%, peritonitis in 38% and abdominal hernias in 16% of the
patients. The results in our series (peritonitis every 29.0 patient-mo
nths) are in accordance with data from the literature. The combination
of a good surgical technique and an efficient postoperative attendanc
e have reduced this frequency. In the situation of a tunnel infection,
surgical removal remains the treatment of choice. To prevent an exit
site infection, the entry port must be well nursed and protected. A co
existing abdominal hernia can be repaired during the implantation proc
edure. Fourty six peritoneal dialysis catheters have been removed. Tra
nsplantation and death are the main reasons (59%).