Background: A technique for reinsertion of an inadvertently removed tunneled central venous catheter is presented. A 6-year-old boy with short-gut syndrome caused by necrotizing enterocolitis accidentally removed his tunneled central venous catheter.
Materials and methods: The existing subcutaneous catheter tract was recanalized using a hydrophilic guidewire and 5-French end-hole catheter with the child unter conscious sedation, and a new catheter was placed over a guidewire.
Results: This obviated the need for a new venipuncture and creation of a new subcutaneous tunnel, which are performed under general anesthesia in our hospital.