PD Catheter REMOVAL surgery

[inga]

Hi, has anyone had their PD catheter removed? If so, how long did the surgery last and how long was the recovery? They will do it under general anesthesia. Thanks so much, getting excited to get it removed but kind of nervous.

[Joe]

They took mine out when I had my transplant, so don't know what that contribution was. I took a couple of weeks for the surgical site to heal.

[Rerun]

It will be fine and it will be gone.  That is a good thing.

[kporter85db]

Had mine out a couple months ago. Although it was performed as an outpatient surgery. the actual removal took less then a minute. The surgeon basically just supported my belly with one hand and yanked the catheter out with the other. I didn't feel anything but the surgeons hand gently pushing on my belly. This means that they just left the two fibrous cuffs inside me. Surgeon said they have determined that it is much easier on the body to just leave those cuffs in then to cut you open and remove them. So far, I agree.

He didn't do anything to the exit hole except cover it with gauze. He said it would close over time.

Of course, if your catheter was infected, or there was something else wrong they probably would have to take everything out.

[inga]

Thanks for your replies...Anyone have an idea of how long the surgery typically lasts? I know when they put the catheter in it was only 30 min to an hour. How long was the recovery? It will be done under general anesthesia and laproscapoly(spelling?).

[Deanne]

kporter85db, didn't this hurt? I'll have mine out very soon and I'm terrified.

[kporter85db]

kporter85db, didn't this hurt? I'll have mine out very soon and I'm terrified.

Deanne, they gave me a sedative but when I got back in the room the nurse noticed that most of it was still in the IV tube. But it didn't hurt at all. All I felt was a little pressure on my belly.