Critical appraisal of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis is an effective means of treating chronic renal insufficiency and is gaining acceptance. When performed intermittently, several times each day, peritoneal dialysis permits mobility and home therapy that might otherwise not be possible for patients unsuitable for a kidney transplant. Peritonitis, catheter obstruction, and loss of dialyzing surface are problems requiring solution before peritoneal dialysis can be regarded as preferable to home hemodialysis.