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.