A peritoneal dialysis catheter is also known eponymously as a Tenckhoff catheter. It is a tube placed into the abdomen to allow for peritoneal dialysis, an alternative to hemodialysis for patients with kidney failure.

The peritoneum is a shiny layer within the envelope that wraps the entire intestines and many abdominal organs like an envelope. Everyone has this shiny layer. It can be used as a filter to wash the blood of waste products, a job usually done by the kidneys.

How peritoneal dialysis works

During peritoneal dialysis, a fluid is pumped into the abdomen through the peritoneal dialysis tube. This fluid is known as dialysate. It attracts fluid and waste products from the blood and accumulates in the peritoneal compartment with the dialysate. Then, the large volume of fluid, which is now rich in waste products, is sucked out of the abdomen again through the peritoneal dialysis catheter, washing the blood of the waste products.

What are the differences between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

The dialysis nursing team will discuss the differences at length with you. They have abundant experience explaining and directing each patient towards the dialysis access route best suits their lives and personalities. 

Who is not suitable for a peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion?

Patients who have had extensive abdominal surgery are generally unsuitable for PD catheter insertion. The amount of scar tissue within their abdomen dramatically increases the risk of injury from catheter insertion and malfunction when inserted. It can be done, but it is not advisable unless necessary.