Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of combined vertical tunnel with low-site peritoneal dialysis catheter placement on catheter-related malfunction. Methods During the period from June 2008 to June 2012,48 patients received the operation of combined vertical tunnel with low-site peritoneal dialysis catheter placement(Group B) and 41 patients received the traditional open surgery(Group A).The Group A surgery was characterized by a low incision site, a shortened intra-abdominal catheter segment and an additional vertical subcutaneous tunnel. The distance of the shortened intra-abdominal catheter segment was measured during the operation. All patients were followed up for 1 year after surgery. Catheter-related complications were analyzed. Results The distance of the shortened intra-abdominal catheter segment was (11.3±0.9)cm. Catheter malfunction was the most frequent mechanical complication, found in 8 patients (19.5%) in Group A. Only 2 episodes(4.2%) of catheter malfunction ? were found in Group B, representing a rate significantly?less than?those in Group A (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the episodes of leakage, inflow or outflow pain, bleeding, outer cuff extrusion and infectious complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The combined vertical tunnel with low-site peritoneal dialysis catheter placement can effectively prevent catheter malfunction and is a reliable method for the peritoneal dialysis patients.

Key words: Peritoneal dialysis, Catheter placement, Catheter malfunction