Abdominal wall and inguinal hernias in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

This retrospective analysis of 140 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients followed during a 4 year period revealed a 5 percent incidence of abdominal wall hernias. Inguinal hernias were frequently manifested as unilateral scrotal swelling. Hernias too small to be appreciated by physical examination were easily demonstrable with intraperitoneal instillation of technetium 99m sulfur colloid through the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter. This procedure was also useful when differentiating dialysate leaks from inguinal hernia in the early and late postoperative periods. Recurrences developed in 27 percent of the herniorrhaphies. Factors contributing to the development of abdominal wall hernias in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients include uremia, obesity, anemia, and chronically elevated intraperitoneal pressures.