✦ Renal Failure Treatment

PD Catheter Insertion (Tenckhoff)

Q: How does peritoneal dialysis work?

Dialysate fluid is instilled into the abdomen through the catheter; toxins and fluid cross from blood into dialysate through the peritoneal membrane; fluid is then drained after a dwell time.

Q: What are the risks of PD catheter insertion?

Hernia, catheter malposition, bowel injury, and exit site infection are potential complications; PD peritonitis is the most significant long-term risk.

Q: Can I still have a kidney transplant if I'm on PD?

Yes — PD is a bridge to transplantation; the PD catheter is removed after successful transplantation. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Surgical Placement of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter for Home-Based Dialysis

30–60 min PROCEDURE

Day Care / 1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

2–4 Weeks RECOVERY

What is PD Catheter Insertion (Tenckhoff)?

PD Catheter (Tenckhoff catheter) insertion places a permanent silicone catheter through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity, providing access for peritoneal dialysis (PD). PD is a home-based dialysis modality in which dialysate fluid is instilled into and drained from the peritoneal cavity, using the peritoneal membrane as the dialysis filter. PD is an alternative to haemodialysis offering lifestyle advantages including home treatment, fewer dietary restrictions, and preserved residual renal function. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of Day Care / 1 Day.

Patients with end-stage renal failure choosing peritoneal dialysis over haemodialysis, and those without suitable vascular access for AVF creation. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Incision & Peritoneal Entry

Lower midline or left paramedian incision; peritoneal cavity entered.

Catheter Placement

Tenckhoff catheter inserted into the pelvis with deep and superficial Dacron cuffs positioned at correct anatomical levels.

Subcutaneous Tunnel

Catheter exit site chosen in the lower abdomen; subcutaneous tunnel created for the catheter.

Flow Confirmation

Catheter flushed with saline confirming free flow in and out of the peritoneal cavity.

Exit Site Dressing

Exit site dressed; catheter left for 2–4 weeks before first use to allow secure healing of cuffs.

Outcomes

30–60 minDURATION

Day Care / 1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

2–4 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Home-based dialysis — patient independence and convenience.
→Gentler, continuous dialysis preserving residual renal function longer.
→Avoids hospital three-times-weekly haemodialysis schedule.
→Fewer dietary and fluid restrictions than haemodialysis.
→Better cardiovascular haemodynamic stability than haemodialysis sessions.
→Suitable for patients without adequate vascular access for AVF creation.

"PD catheter insertion gives patients the freedom to dialyse at home on their own schedule. For many patients, the independence peritoneal dialysis offers is transformative — they live their lives rather than living around dialysis."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

How does peritoneal dialysis work?+

What are the risks of PD catheter insertion?+

Can I still have a kidney transplant if I'm on PD?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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