Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

During the past decade, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis has emerged as a successful alternative to hemodialysis in the treatment of chronic renal failure. Performed continuously, peritoneal dialysis achieves total transfer comparable to hemodialysis and removes peptides faster. Studies have shown that survival rates for the two techniques are similar. Peritonitis, the major complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, is decreasing in frequency and can usually be managed at home.