Cuff extrusion in peritoneal dialysis: single-centre experience with the cuff-shaving procedure in five patients over a 4-year period

Catheter-related infections in peritoneal dialysis (PD) remain a significant complication, and some patients with recurrent exit-site (ESI) and/or tunnel infections may experience external cuff extrusion. In these cases, cuff-shaving has been described as a possible course of treatment. During a 4-year period, there were 44 patients with PD at our department; all received double-cuffed Tenckhoff catheters. Six (13%) never started on PD. Five (13%) of the 38 active PD patients experienced cuff extrusion. Causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were diabetic nephropathy (n = 1), toxic nephropathy (n = 1), hypertensive nephrosclerosis (n = 1), systemic disease (n = 1) and one with unknown cause. PD catheters were inserted by the Department of Surgery and our patients waited a mean of 3.71 weeks (0.57–7.86) from catheter insertion to PD start. Patients were followed up by monthly and even fortnightly during infections. Our cohort experienced two (1–5) ESIs per patient prior to cuff extrusion. Cultures showed growth of Staphylococcus aureus and the patients received dicloxacillin orally 500 mg qid for 3–4 weeks. Of the 38 active PD patients, 5 (13%) developed cuff extrusion with an incidence of 0.20 episodes/patient/year, manifesting on average at 32 weeks (17.3–40.6), due to repeated ESI in four patients and substantial weight loss in one patient. All five underwent cuff-shaving and the ESIs resolved completely in 80% of the cases assisted by supplemental treatment with mupirocin and/or dicloxacillin. There were no complications to the cuff-shaving procedure itself. None of the five patients experienced new ESIs after cuff-shaving had been performed. Cuff-shaving reduces the rate of recurring ESIs. The procedure is safe, if performed correctly, and poses no risk to the patient or the catheter.