Peritoneal dialysis catheters: repositioning with new fluoroscopic technique.

From April 1990 to December 1992, the authors evaluated a new technique for radiologic manipulation of malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters (PDCs). In 25 patients (16 male and nine female patients, aged 15-81 years), 25 PDCs were fluoroscopically manipulated 38 times for failure to drain (n = 22) or painful dialysis (n = 3). The PDC was backed out of its initial position with use of a wire and stiffener. Immediate success was obtained in 34 of 38 manipulations (89%), 21 manipulations (55%) were successful at 1 week, and durable success (function for more than 1 month or until the catheter was no longer needed) was achieved in 16 manipulations (42%). This is an effective alternative procedure to surgical catheter replacement or hemodialysis.