Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Removal

What Is A Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Removal?

Your tunneled dialysis catheter is being removed because your treatment has ended, the catheter site has an infection, a clot is present or the catheter is damaged.

Before The Procedure

If the catheter was placed more than 3 months ago, do not eat 8 hours or drink 4 hours before the procedure. Otherwise, no special prep is needed to remove the catheter.

During The Procedure

You may receive a numbing medication around the catheter site. If the catheter was placed more than 3 months ago, you may receive sedation medication. The head of the bed will be in an upright position as the catheter is removed. You may be given special breathing instructions during the removal of the catheter. You may feel a tugging sensation or pressure as the catheter is removed.

After The Procedure

You might have some pain after the catheter is taken out. Please use Tylenol or pain medicine prescribed by your provider. Avoid using aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, or other anti-inflammatory medications as they can cause bleeding. Talk to your dialysis nurse or kidney doctor if you still have pain after two days that is getting in the way of your sleep or if it is making it hard to care for yourself. Go home and rest quietly for the remainder of the day. Be sure to keep your head elevated above the level of your heart while resting. Do not lay flat for the next three hours. Avoid any heavy lifting for 24 hours. If you were given a sedation medication during your procedure, do not drive for the remainder of the day.

Slight bleeding can occur. If blood soaks through your dressings or if you notice a lump under your skin at the site of your catheter, call Imaging Services (refer to discharge instructions) or your provider. If you have severe bleeding or trouble breathing, call 911.

Keep the bandage on the site for one day and then replace with a water-proof adhesive bandage. Keep the site clean and dry until it is healed over. It is OK to shower with your bandage on. If there are signs of bleeding, hold pressure above the collarbone on that side.

Notify your doctor of any signs of an infection at the site such as redness, swelling, drainage or fever. If you stopped taking blood thinner medications before this procedure, ask your provider when to restart taking these medications.

If you have further questions about your examination, please call your provider.