Tunneled versus Non-Tunneled Haemodialysis Catheters in Patients Prior to Arteriovenous Fistula

Abstract

Background: Non-tunneled and Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters are used for prompt renal replacement therapy via vascular access. Objectives: To estimate the complications of tunnelled haemodialysis catheters and non-tunnelled catheters and compare the outcome of them. Patients and methods: A total of 50 patients undergoing renal dialysis were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the type of the dialysis catheter. Group I (25 patients) included patients managed with non-tunneled catheters (NTCs), while group II (25 patients) included patients managed with Tunneled dialysis catheters (TDCs). Results: The mean age of group I (NTC group) was 58.6 ± 8.0 years,13 (52%) patients were males, the mean BMI was 38±4.3 kg/㎡. In TDC group, the mean age was 56 ± 8.8 years, 10 (40%) patients were males, the mean BMI was 37.1 ±3.9 kg/㎡. NTC and TDC groups were compared in terms of complications. The premature removal rate was 36% and 12% in group I and II respectively. Bleeding was reported in 32% and 8% in group I and II respectively. In the NTC group, 32% had functional complications, while 28% had procedural complications, and in only 4% of the TDC group. In the TDC group, only 4% had either procedural or functional complications. Multiple sticks were encountered in 32% and 2% in group I and II respectively. Conclusion: TDCs have substantially fewer complications and better performance characteristics than NTCs.

Keywords

• renal replacement therapy (rrt) non-tunneled catheters (ntc)
• tunneled dialysis catheters (tdc)