Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter obstruction is one of the most serious complications of PD, and it can result from fibrin deposition, blood clot deposition, intra-peritoneal organ wrapping, entrance in-between intestinal tracts, or kinking. PD catheter obstruction caused by fimbriae of the fallopian tube has only rarely been reported. We report 6 patients with PD catheter obstruction caused by fimbriae of the fallopian tube. Women aged 35-77 (mean 56.5) years old who started peritoneal dialysis complained of outflow-inflow obstruction of PD fluid. Fluoroscopy, computed tomography, and ultrasonography studies were conducted, and intra-peritoneal organ wrapping was suspected. Laparoscopic surgery or CRF (catheter repair by a forefinger) was performed, and fimbriae of the fallopian tube were released from the PD catheter and resected. Excellent PD catheter function was maintained after the surgery, and recurrence did not occur. PD catheter obstruction caused by fimbriae of the fallopian tube commonly occurs before menopause, on the right side, with no catheter migration, and with lower abdominal pain. Vaginal discharge or leakage of dialysis fluid through the fallopian tubes can sometimes occur, and the leakage is often initially presumed to be urinary stress incontinence. Its onset may occur at a late stage.
