What is a Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) catheter?

What is a Peritioneal Dialysis (PD) catheter?

The PD tube or catheter is about 30cm (12in) long and as wide as a pencil. Although the tube feels quite soft to touch, it is made from a very hard-wearing type of plastic. The most commonly used type of PD catheter is called a “Tenchkoff” (pronounced Ten coff). Around half of the catheter lies inside the abdomen, and half lies outside the body. The tube that is used to drain urine from the bladder is also called a catheter, but the PD catheter is different (people on PD do not need a urine catheter).

Where is the PD catheter placed?

The catheter is placed in a space in the tummy known as the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity usually contains around 100 mls of liquid, but can hold up to 5 litres of fluid. See diagram right.

The site where the catheter exits the skin is above or below the waist/belt line. Check with the person putting in the line that the exit site is not going to be on the waistline.

How does the PD catheter stay in place?

People who are new to PD often worry that their catheter will fall out, as they cannot see anything holding it in place. The site on the person’s tummy where the catheter comes out is usually only a very small hole. The portion of the catheter that stays inside the abdomen has got one or two cuffs around the tube, which become anchored inside the body. The cuffs are like “hairy rings“ around the tube and when flesh inside the tummy grows around them, it anchors the tube firmly in place. After a few weeks the PD catheter can’t be accidentally pulled out. See diagram left.

Most Units advise people to cover the site where the catheter enters/exits the skin with a dressing which is provided for them. The catheter should be taped to the skin to prevent it getting pulled accidentally with clothing or when the person is asleep. Covering the exit site, and securing the catheter to the skin, may help prevent the exit site from becoming infected, and from pain if the end of the catheter is accidentally pulled.

NKF Controlled Document No. 238, What is a Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) catheter?, written 26 January 2001. Last reviewed 19 October 2009.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

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Page created: 26 January 2001

Last updated: 29 April 2009

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