Catheter Break-in for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysisuniversity of Missouri Experience

Retrospective analysis of the results of several break-in techniques in our institution revealed that a 10 day delay in CAPD initiation after a midline Tenckhoff catheter insertion is sufficient to prevent leakage in patients maintained on intermittent peritoneal dialysis. A leak or obstruction related to an insufficient surgical technique can be promptly diagnosed and corrected. An irrigation technique seems to be useful in non-uremic patients, but frequently fails to disclose a one-way obstruction with a consequent delay in a surgical correction. Recently we have introduced a modification of this technique in which the patency of the catheter is checked with one in and out exchange using a small volume of dialysate during outpatient clinic visits every 2– 3 days.