[Anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the peritoneal cavity with reference to peritoneal dialysis].

Most common complications of peritoneal dialysis are those related to anatomic defect of the abdominal wall and peritoneum. The aim of this investigation was to examine the frequency of congenital and acquired wall defects in patients on CAPD treatment causing complications. Fifty patients, 32 women and 18 men, on CAPD treatment for more than two years, were investigated. Most common was a defect in the anterior-lateral abdominal wall predisposing to hernias in 14% of patients. Umbilical and pericatheteral hernias were more common than other, with a mean time of 21 months for the appearance. Persistence of vaginal process of peritoneum related to scrotal oedema was documented in 4% of patients. Communication of peritoneal cavity with the abdominal ostium of tuba uterina was found not to be an important factor for peritonitis.