PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS FOR THE TREATMENT OR END-STAGE RENAL-FAILURE

Peritoneal dialysis was the first method used to assist failing kidney s. The consensus in the 1960s was that peritoneal dialysis was of limi ted usefulness as compared to chronic hemodialysis for the treatment o f end-stage renal failure. In the late 1970s, however, peritoneal dial ysis emerged as a valuable means of achieving continuous steady-state dialysis. Numerous technical advances have allowed to improve results, and peritoneal dialysis is now a valid alternative to hemodialysis. T he two techniques are complementary. However, peritoneal dialysis is a medium-term solution, and hemodialysis remains the only possibility f or long-term treatments. Peritoneal dialysis is especially valuable in patients who prefer to be treated at home, in particular while waitin g for a kidney transplant.