A randomized trial comparing conventional swan-neck straight-tip catheters to straight-tip catheters with an artificial subcutaneous swan neck.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of inserting a straight-tip Tenckhoff catheter configured with a subcutaneous artificial swan neck.

DESIGN: Clinical outcomes of conventional swan-neck straight-tip catheters and Tenckhoff straight-tip catheters implanted with an artificial subcutaneous swan neck were compared in a prospective randomized controlled trial in a single-center setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion were randomized to receive either a double-cuff straight-tip Tenckhoff catheter with an artificial subcutaneous swan-neck (TC) or a conventional double-cuff straight-tip swan-neck catheter (SN). The primary outcome was catheter exit-site infection rate; the secondary outcomes were catheter-related mechanical events and surgery-related bleeding.

RESULTS: A total of 39 consecutive patients were enrolled: 20 into the TC group and 19 into the SN group. More exit-site infections were observed in the SN group than in the TC group, although the difference was not statistically significant (0.97 vs 0.51 episodes per patient-year, p = 0.0657). However, there were more peritonitis episodes in the TC group than in the SN group (0.35 vs 0.15 episodes per patient-year, p = 0.0256). Exit-site and main wound bleeding post surgery were generally mild and similar in the 2 groups. No events of dialysate leakage, catheter tip migration, or subcutaneous cuff protrusion were observed in patients of either group. Outflow failure due to mechanical causes occurred in 2 patients in the TC group and in 1 patient in the SN group during the intermittent peritoneal dialysis period; all were corrected successfully by laparoscopic omentectomy.

CONCLUSIONS: Placement of the double-cuff straight-tip Tenckhoff catheter configured with an artificial subcutaneous swan neck appears to be an effective and safe procedure. It may be a good alternative to the conventional swan-neck catheter.