Tissue reaction to deep cuff of Tenckhoff's catheter and peritonitis.

To define the type of reaction around the deep cuff of Tenckhoff catheters and possible implications in peritonitis development, a histological evaluation of the tissue reaction around and into the deep cuff was done. Eight catheters, functioning for 2 to 40 months and removed for various reasons were studied. In all cases foreign body granulomata and fibrosis were found, with prominent giant cell formation. An inert birefrigent material, probably dacron particles, was found surrounded by giant cells in fibrotic regions and in some cases appearing as cytoplasmic inclusions. In 6 cases an inflammatory infiltration was observed, while in 4 with relapsing peritonitis, polymorphonuclears and microabscesses were also found. It can be suggested that the tissue reaction to deep cuff predisposes to local infections and might be a factor for relapsing peritonitis.