[Cuff Shaving in Recurrent Exit-Site Infections in a Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis].

In patients on peritoneal dialysis, the cutaneous emergency (exit-site) represents a potential access route to the peritoneum; consequently, it can become a site for microbial infections. These infections, initially localized to the exit-site, may spread to the peritoneum causing peritonitis, which is the most common cause of drop-out from peritoneal dialysis and transition to hemodialysis. Peritoneal catheters have dacron caps which have the function of counteracting the traction of the catheter itself and at the same time acting as a barrier for microorganisms, preventing the spread towards the peritoneum. Despite this, the same dacron cap can represent a sort of nest for microorganisms to colonize and, with the formation of a biofilm that facilitates their proliferation, make the same organisms impervious to antibiotic therapy and even resistance to them. The most effective tool for monitoring the health status of the exit-site is represented by the objective examination. This examination, through the use of well-defined scales, helps to provide a pathological score of the exit, facilitating the implementation of necessary precautions. In the presence of recurrent exit-site infections, from both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, minimally invasive surgical therapy is a valid approach to break this vicious circle. It helps avoid subjecting the patient to the removal of the peritoneal catheter, temporary transition to hemodialysis with the insertion of a central venous catheter, and subsequent repositioning of another peritoneal catheter. We propose the case of a recurrent Staphylococcus Aureus infection resolved after cuff shaving of the exit-site.

Suture passer combined with two-hole laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheterization in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic techniques are being widely applied for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter (PDC) placement. The suture passer is a novel fixation tool that aims to reduce catheter migration. We compared the clinical value of the suture passer combined with two-hole laparoscopic PDC placement to open surgical placement by evaluating preoperative and postoperative conditions, as well as the onset of complications in both groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted including 169 patients who underwent PDC placement surgery from January 2021 to May 2023. Based on the method employed, patients were divided into two groups: the suture passer combined with a two-hole laparoscopy group (SLG) and the open surgical group (SG). Comprehensive patient information, including general data, preoperative and postoperative indicators, peritoneal function after surgery, and the incidence rate of complications, were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The SLG showed a statistically significant decrease in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and 6-month postoperative drift rate compared to the SG (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of sex, age, primary disease, hospitalization time, hospitalization costs, preoperative and postoperative examination indicators, peritonitis, and omental wrapping. CONCLUSIONS: Suture passer combined with two-hole laparoscopic PDC placement, characterized by simplicity and facilitating secure catheter fixation, was deemed safe and effective for patients undergoing PD. It reduces the catheter migration rate and improved surgical comfort. Overall, this technique demonstrates favorable outcomes in clinical practice.

[Peritoneal Dialysis Network in North-East Italy: Survey About the Peritoneal Catheter Exit-Site Infection Management and Comparison with ISPD Guidelines].

Introduction. The Triveneto Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Network aims to bring together doctors and nurses who deal with PD in a collaborative network in which to exchange mutual knowledge and optimize the use of this method of replacing renal function. A topic of particular interest was the management of peritoneal catheter exit-site infection, given the recent publication of the new guidelines of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD). Materials and methods. The survey concerned the criteria for carrying out nasal swab and exit-site, management of exuberant granulation tissue "Proud Flesh", treatment of exit-site infection (ESI), use of silver dressings, the role of subcutaneous tunnel ultrasound and cuff shaving. Results. All PD centers in the North-East Italy area have joined the survey with at least one operator per centre. There was a wide variability between the indications for performing the exit-site swab. In the presence of ESI, the prevalent approach is that of oral systemic empiric therapy associated (20.0%) or less (28.9%) with topical therapy, and then adapting it in a targeted manner to the culture examination. Discussion. From the discussion of the survey emerged the importance of the ESI as an outcome indicator, which allows us to verify whether our clinical practice is in line with the reference standards. It is essential to know and base our activity on what is indicated in national and international guidelines and to document the events that occur in the patient population of each dialysis unit.

Effect of two different peritoneal dialysis modalities on wound infection in peritoneal dialysis patients: A meta-analysis.

Peritoneal dialysis(PD) is one of the most efficient methods in end-stage kidney disease, and it is very important for PD to perform well. No research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of various types of PD catheters on the prognosis of post-operative wound complications. While recent meta-analyses are in favour of straight tubing, there is still uncertainty as to whether direct or coiled PD is beneficial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of direct and coiled PD catheters on the incidence of post-operative wound infection, bleeding and peritonitis. A comprehensive search was carried out on three databases, including PubMed and Embase, and a manual search was carried out on the links in the paper. The results showed that the incidence rate of bleeding after operation and the degree of infection among the straight and coiled pipes were compared. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of post-operative wound infection among straight PD patients with coiled PD (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.58-1.08 p = 0.13). No statistical significance was found in the case of PD with coiled tubing compared with that of straight PD group in wound leakage (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.71-1.93 p = 0.55). No statistically significantly different rates of post-operative peritonitis were observed for coiled tubing compared with straight ones in PD patients (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.78-1.45 p = 0.7). There is no statistical significance on the rate of wound infection, wound leakage and peritonitis among coiled and straight tube in PD.

Upward-directed exit-site of the swan-neck catheter and "Easy-to-disinfect the backside area of exit-site" may prevent PD complications.

BACKGROUND: Upward-directed exit-site has been believed to be the worst for frequent ESI by an old retrospective study using straight catheters. No comparison study of 3 exit-site directions using swan-neck catheter has been performed regarding which direction is the best for our endpoints, Easy-to-see the backside area of exit-site: ESBE, Easy-to-disinfect the backside area of exit-site: EDBE, reduction of both exit-site infection (ESI), symptomatic catheter dislocation and peritonitis. METHODS: We assessed the relationship of exit-site direction with our endpoints in a quantitative cross-sectional, multicentered questionnaire survey. Patients who received either non-surgical catheter implantation or exit-site surgery were excluded. RESULTS: The numbers (percentage) of exit-site directions in included 291 patients were upward 79 (26.0), lateralward 108 (37.5) and downward 105 (36.5). Cochran-Armitage analysis showed a significant step-ladder increase in the prevalence of ESI as the direction changed from upward to lateralward to downward (0.15 ± 0.41, 0.25 ± 0.54, 0.38 ± 0.69 episodes/patient-year, p = 0.03). Multivariable regression analysis revealed the upward exit-site independently associates with both higher frequency of ESBE (OR 5.55, 95% CI 2.23-16.45, p < 0.01) and reduction of prevalence of ESI (OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.27-0.98, p = 0.04). Positive association between the prevalence of symptomatic catheter dislocation and ESI (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.27-7.82, p = 0.01), and inverse association between EDBE and either prevalence of symptomatic catheter dislocation (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11-0.72) or peritonitis (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-0.99) observed. CONCLUSION: Upward-directed swan-neck catheter exit-site may be the best for both ESBE and prevention of ESI. EDBE may reduce catheter dislocation and peritonitis. Symptomatic catheter dislocation may predict ESI.

Negative-pressure wound therapy is effective for peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site management in the early postoperative period.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter exit-site care is critically important for the prevention of catheter-related infections (CRIs) and subsequent peritonitis. The postoperative management of the site is particularly essential because it has an open wound that is always adjacent to a PD catheter tube. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for postoperative PD catheter exit sites. Thirty patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent simultaneous PD catheter insertion and exit-site formation were randomly assigned to receive NPWT (NPWT group) or conventional dressing (non-NPWT group) for the first seven postoperative days. The exit-site scores on the seventh postoperative day was lower in the NPWT group than in the non-NPWT group (p = 0.0049). Analysis of variance F statistic for the effect of NPWT over 180 days was highly significant (11.482595, p = 0.007). There were no statistically significant differences between the time to first CRI and PD-related peritonitis between the two groups. There was one case of CRI with relapsing peritonitis and catheter loss in the non-NPWT group. These findings demonstrate the association between NPWT and low exit-site score. NPWT can be recommended for the management of PD catheter exit sites in the early postoperative period.

Implantation of a peritoneal dialysis catheter in patients with ESRD using local anesthesia and Remifentanil.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to test the feasibility of the local anesthetic (LA) Mepivacaine 1% and sedation with Remifentanil as the primary anesthetic technique for the insertion of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter, without the need to convert to general anesthesia. METHODS: We analyzed 27 consecutive end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who underwent the placement of a peritoneal catheter at our center between March 2015 and January 2019. The procedures were all performed by a general or vascular surgeon, and the postoperative care and follow-up were all conducted by the same peritoneal dialysis team. RESULTS: All of the 27 subjects successfully underwent the procedure without the need of conversion to general anesthesia. The catheter was deemed prone to usage in all patients and was found to be leak-proof in 100% of the patients. CONCLUSION: This study describes a safe and successful approach for insertion of a PD catheter by combined infiltration of the local anesthetic Mepivacaine 1% and sedation with Remifentanil. Hereby, ESRD patients can be treated without general anesthesia, while ensuring functionality of the PD catheter.

Factors Contributing to Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis: Comparing Triple Cuff Saudi Catheter to Double Cuff Tenckhoff Catheter: A 12-Year Observational Study.

Very few detailed descriptive studies focusing on peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) have been published. Most of the current information is available through from either study with the limited number of patients or isolated case reports. We conducted an observational study of our PD-peritonitis database over the past 12 years to study the clinical profile and the outcomes of peritonitis episodes in our PD center. A total of 1123 patients (male: 59.5%) with 319 episodes of peritonitis were identified. Of the patients, 130 (11.6%) were considered immunocompromised (steroid use, failed renal transplant, systemic lupus erythematosus, malignancy) and 468 (41.7%) had diabetes mellitus. The total number of bacterial peritonitis episodes was 319; of these 226 (70.8%) were seen with double cuff Tenckhoff PD catheter and 93 (29.2%) occurred with triple-cuff Saudi PD catheter (P = 0.0001). Of all peritonitis episodes 170 (53.3%) episodes were caused by a single Gram-positive organism, 124 (38.9%) episodes by a single Gram-negative organism, and 25 (7.8%) were polymicrobial. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were responsible for most cases of Gram-positive peritonitis (n = 110, 64.7%), while Escherichia coli was the causative organism in 67 (54.0%) of the single Gram-negative episodes. Peritonitis episodes due to Gram-positive organisms had a better outcome than those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Fifteen (4.7%) of the 319 episodes resulted in death in 13 patients. In 79 (24.8%) episodes, the patients had to be transferred to hemodialysis because of unresolved peritonitis. Resolution rate was 75.2% (240 episodes) which was influenced by PD catheter type, PD duration and the number of days peritoneal fluid effluent remained above 100 cells/µL. Other modifiable and non-modifiable factors had no effect on the resolution rate. Peritonitis episodes due to Gram-positive organisms had a better outcome than those with Gram-negative or polymicrobial etiology. Peritonitis resolution rates were worse with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Diabetes, current steroid use, and exit-site/tunnel infections seemed to have limited influence on the peritonitis outcome. Type of PD catheter (double Tenckhoff vs triple-cuff Saudi catheter), duration of PD and the number of days peritoneal fluid effluent remained >100 cells/µL were the only factors with significant effects on the outcome.

Assessment of complications and short-term outcomes of percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion by conventional or modified Seldinger technique.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and short-term complications of a modified technique to percutaneously insert a peritoneal dialysis catheter. METHODS: We reviewed the outcomes of 94 patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis catheterization between October 2017 and April 2020. Of these, 47 cases were placed by a conventional Seldinger technique, whereas 47 cases were placed by a modified technique based on the Seldinger method. The success rates of the catheter insertion and three-month postoperative complications were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: The catheter insertion success rates were comparable between the two groups: 93.6% in the conventional technique group and 97.9% in the modified technique group (p = 0.307). The incidence of postoperative catheter migration was lower using the modified technique (4.3%) than the conventional technique (18.3%) (p = 0.037). None of the patients in the modified technique group had postoperative dialysate leakage, whereas this occurred in 9.0% of patients in the conventional technique group (p = 0.036). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of postoperative bleeding, infection, or visceral damage between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Seldinger technique for percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion reduced the short-term postoperative complications of catheter migration and dialysate leakage, with a comparable successful catheter insertion rate compared with the conventional Seldinger technique.

Considerations for Improved Technique Survival Following Insertion of a Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of this patient population. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of patients who underwent an open or laparoscopic insertion of a PD catheter at our institution between 2009 and 2017. Data included demographics, peri-operative parameters, and long-term outcome. Patient and technique survival curves are presented, including subgroup analysis by method of catheter insertion and techniques for infection prevention. RESULTS: The study population included 95 men and 42 women, aged 65.7 ± 12.4 years. Mean follow-up was 34.6 ± 27.3 months. Open insertion was performed in 113 cases, while 24 underwent laparoscopic insertion. There was no difference in technique survival between these groups (P = 0.943). Removal of the catheter was required in 66% of patients. Median technique survival was 12.1 months. Two-year technique survival was 37% and 5-year technique survival was 12%. The leading cause for catheter removal was infection (69%). Application of measures for prevention of infections were significantly associated with prolonged technique survival (P = 0.001). Technique survival after 2 years was 38% with the application of a single measure and 57% with the application of two measures (P = 0.001). CRS patients (n=24) had a significantly lower overall survival rate (2-year survival 20% vs. 74%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The method of catheter insertion has no effect on technique survival. Prevention of infections is the most significant factor for improving the technique survival rates.

Simultaneous catheter removal and reinsertion, is it acceptable in M. abscessus exit site infection?

In recent times, increasing reports of exit site infections (ESI) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients related to environmentally acquired atypical organisms, such as nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), have been reported in the literature. Among these NTM, Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) is unique and is associated with high morbidity and treatment failure rates. The international society of PD guidelines suggests individualizing therapeutic options for NTM-related ESI. Moreover, the guidelines encourage simultaneous catheter removal and reinsertion (SCRR) in isolated ESI, not responding to antimicrobial therapy to avoid PD interruptions. Physicians should be aware of the limitations of such approaches as delay in appropriate PD catheter intervention can be fraught with complications in patients with M. abscessus ESI. We report an M. abscessus ESI in a PD patient who underwent SCRR in conjunction with targeted antimicrobial therapy, and developed M. abscessus peritonitis requiring PD catheter removal and conversion to hemodialysis. The patient also developed ESI at the new exit site long after the PD catheter was removed, requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Our case, taken together with available published case reports, highlights the futility of the SCRR approach towards the M. abscessus ESI and makes the cases for early PD catheter removal in these patients.

Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement: An Anonymous Survey of APSA Members.

BACKGROUND: Although literature is sparse, there are guidelines regarding optimal placement technique for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters in the pediatric population. Through this study, we sought to identify commonly used techniques among pediatric surgeons and identify areas for future work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 16-question anonymous survey was emailed to American Pediatric Surgery Association members in September 2018 regarding routine practices for PD catheter placement. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. RESULTS: In all, there were 221 respondents, 6.8% of whom did not place PD catheters in their practice. Of the remaining 206, the majority have been in practice >15 y. PD catheter placement during fellowship training varied widely, with 6.5% reporting no fellowship experience to 6% reporting >25 placed during fellowship. Almost half (48%) reported placing catheters via laparoscopic approach (versus open or combined approach). Most (62%) respondents reported an annual practice volume of 1-5 catheters, with only 11% placing >10 per year. Exit-site sutures were placed "always" by 33% of participants and "never" by 49% of participants. There was no association between years in practice or fellowship experience and exit-site suture placement. However, there was a trend for "never" placement (72%) with more recent graduates. Omentectomy was performed by 91% of respondents, whereas 8.3% reported never performing omentectomy/omentopexy. Similarly, there was no association between practice and fellowship experience and omentectomy. In the setting of abdominal stoma, 96% reported placing the exit site on the opposite side of the abdomen. Fibrin glue was used along the tunnel by 21% of participants, ranging from "always" to "sometimes", whereas 79% "never" used it. CONCLUSIONS: Fellowship, posttraining experience, and techniques in PD catheter placement vary widely among American Pediatric Surgery Association member respondents. Despite guidelines, practices differ among providers without an association between the number of cases performed in fellowship and postfellowship volume.

Salvage of Malfunctioning Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters: An Algorithm for Recanalization and Repositioning.

A peritoneal dialysis catheter salvage algorithm was developed and performed for 40 patients with documented catheter malfunction (obstruction and/or malposition) referred to the interventional radiology suite. This procedure utilized a metallic stiffener for repositioning and rotating dual guide wires for recanalization. A retrospective analysis of 35 cases of fluoroscopic manipulation showed that in 83% of the cases, the catheters were successfully repositioned and/or recanalized, and in 59%, they remained patent at 30 days. No major adverse events occurred. The results suggest that this algorithm is a safe and effective approach to salvage malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters and that a trial of fluoroscopic salvage can be considered prior to surgical intervention.

Study of early complications associated with peritoneal dialysis catheters: an analysis of the New Zealand Peritoneal Dialysis Registry data.

INTRODUCTION: Early peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC)-related complications are frequent and make an important contribution to long-term PD survival. We aimed to analyse the incidence and specific causes of early PDC-related complications. METHODS: This study was conducted from January 2001 to December 2012, utilising the New Zealand PD Registry (NZPDR) data. The objectives of this study were to analyse the incidence and causes of PDC-related complications within 4 weeks and 3 months of insertion. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyse any demographic or clinical risk factors of early PDC-related complications. RESULTS: Of the 2573 PDC insertions during this period, majority 88% were surgically inserted. The number of complication within 4 weeks ranged from minimum of 20% to a maximum of 34% annually, with infections and flow dysfunctions leading the causes. There has been a minor drop in the infection rates from 19 to 16% (p = 0.21), and flow dysfunction from 12 to 9% (p = 0.16), from 2001 to 2012. A reduced odds of early complication was noted in elderly individuals above 60 years age, with odds ratio of (OR) of 0.73 (95% CI 0.53-0.99), while as higher odds of early complications were recorded in female gender, OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.06-1.88). Of the 10% of patients who failed to initiate PD within 90 days, flow dysfunction contributed to 32%, followed by infectious and surgical causes in 16% and 15%, respectively. The median time from insertion of PDC to initiation of PD was 17 days (interquartile range of 14-24 days) CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in PDC insertion techniques and reduction in infection rates may result in improvements in long-term PD technique survival.

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis versus haemodialysis for people with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who require urgent initiation of dialysis but without having a permanent dialysis access have traditionally commenced haemodialysis (HD) using a central venous catheter (CVC). However, several studies have reported that urgent initiation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a viable alternative option for such patients. OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to examine the benefits and harms of urgent-start PD compared to HD initiated using a CVC in adults and children with CKD requiring long-term kidney replacement therapy. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 25 May 2020 for randomised controlled trials through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. For non-randomised controlled trials, MEDLINE (OVID) (1946 to 11 February 2020) and EMBASE (OVID) (1980 to 11 February 2020) were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and non-RCTs comparing urgent-start PD to HD initiated using a CVC. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors extracted data and assessed the quality of studies independently. Additional information was obtained from the primary investigators. The estimates of effect were analysed using random-effects model and results were presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The GRADE framework was used to make judgments regarding certainty of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: Overall, seven observational studies (991 participants) were included: three prospective cohort studies and four retrospective cohort studies. All the outcomes except one (bacteraemia) were graded as very low certainty of evidence given that all included studies were observational studies and few events resulting in imprecision, and inconsistent findings. Urgent-start PD may reduce the incidence of catheter-related bacteraemia compared with HD initiated with a CVC (2 studies, 301 participants: RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.41; I2 = 0%; low certainty evidence), which translated into 131 fewer bacteraemia episodes per 1000 (95% CI 89 to 145 fewer). Urgent-start PD has uncertain effects on peritonitis risk (2 studies, 301 participants: RR 1.78, 95% CI 0.23 to 13.62; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence), exit-site/tunnel infection (1 study, 419 participants: RR 3.99, 95% CI 1.2 to 12.05; very low certainty evidence), exit-site bleeding (1 study, 178 participants: RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.33; very low certainty evidence), catheter malfunction (2 studies; 597 participants: RR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.91; I2 = 66%; very low certainty evidence), catheter re-adjustment (2 studies, 225 participants: RR: 0.13; 95% CI 0.00 to 18.61; I2 = 92%; very low certainty evidence), technique survival (1 study, 123 participants: RR: 1.18, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.61; very low certainty evidence), or patient survival (5 studies, 820 participants; RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.07; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence) compared with HD initiated using a CVC. Two studies using different methods of measurements for hospitalisation reported that hospitalisation was similar although one study reported higher hospitalisation rates in HD initiated using a catheter compared with urgent-start PD. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Compared with HD initiated using a CVC, urgent-start PD may reduce the risk of bacteraemia and had uncertain effects on other complications of dialysis and technique and patient survival. In summary, there are very few studies directly comparing the outcomes of urgent-start PD and HD initiated using a CVC for patients with CKD who need to commence dialysis urgently. This evidence gap needs to be addressed in future studies.

Safety and utility of the alpha-replacer for treatment of intraluminal obstruction of peritoneal catheters by fibrin clots.

BACKGROUND: The Moncrief-Popovich technique of peritoneal catheter implantation has beneficial effects for peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation. However, it might increase the risk of peritoneal catheter obstruction by fibrin clots, because the catheter is buried under the skin for several weeks to months. Effects of treatment of intraluminal occlusion of PD catheters with tissue plasminogen activator, recommended by the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines/recommendations are reportedly limited. We investigated the effectiveness of the 'alpha-replacer' (JMS, Tokyo, Japan) for PD catheter obstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 193 patients in whom PD was initiated. PD catheters were embedded using the Moncrief-Popovich technique in 130 of these patients. We assessed the occurrence rates of peritoneal catheter obstruction and the utility of the alpha-replacer for treating intraluminal catheter occlusion by fibrin clots. RESULTS: Catheter obstruction occurred in eight cases with embedded catheters, one due to omental wrapping and the others due to fibrin clots, in which median catheter burial durations were 477 (interquartile range [IQR], 226-510) days. All catheter obstructions due to fibrin clots were successfully treated with the alpha-replacer, leading to improved catheter drainage. The median amount of contrast agent used in catheterography was 10 (IQR 9-10) mL, which did not adversely affect residual renal function. There were no complications. No recurrence occurred during the observation period (median 111, IQR 55.5-141 months). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that treatment with the alpha-replacer is a safe and effective treatment option for intraluminal obstruction of PD catheters by fibrin clots.