Intestinal fistula accompanied by recurrent peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis: a case report
Qiuyuan Shao1, Yangyang Xia2, Qingyan Zhang2
1Department of Nephrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, China. 372203051@QQ.com.
Background:
Intestinal perforation from peritoneal dialysis is rare, but the resulting complications are serious. Some patients do not necessarily have symptoms, and it can be difficult to differentiate their condition from PD-related (peritoneal dialysis-related) peritonitis, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Here we report a peritoneal dialysis patient with intestinal fistula associated with recurrent peritonitis.
Case Presentation:
A 44-year-old man had been treated for more than 6 years with peritoneal dialysis for chronic kidney disease stage-V. Abdominal computed tomography and electronic colonoscopy revealed an appendiceal fossa with adjacent fistula. The peritoneal dialysis catheter was removed, and the patient recovered with no recurrence of complications.
Conclusion:
We report a case of a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis. The intestinal fistula in this patient was mainly caused by recurrent peritonitis and removal of the catheter could control the peritonitis.
Insights
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can rarely cause intestinal fistulas, often mistaken for PD-related peritonitis. Prompt diagnosis and catheter removal are crucial for managing this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Intestinal perforation is a rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD).
- Differentiating intestinal perforation from PD-related peritonitis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms.
- Recurrent peritonitis is a potential precursor to intestinal fistula formation in PD patients.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male on chronic peritoneal dialysis for over six years presented with recurrent peritonitis.
- Diagnostic imaging, including abdominal CT and colonoscopy, identified an appendiceal fistula.
- The patient had an appendiceal fossa with an adjacent fistula.
Findings:
- The patient's intestinal fistula was primarily attributed to recurrent peritonitis.
- Removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter led to the resolution of peritonitis.
- The patient recovered without further complications after catheter removal.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering intestinal perforation in PD patients with recurrent peritonitis.
- Early diagnosis and intervention, including catheter removal, can effectively manage this rare PD complication.
- Awareness of this complication is vital for nephrologists and dialysis centers to improve patient outcomes.
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