Objective: To assess the effectiveness of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with particular reference to morbidity.
Design: Open study.
Setting: Two city general hospitals.
Subjects: 104 Adults and 11 children with end stage renal failure.
Main outcome measure: Morbidity.
Results: There were 29 complications (25%), the most common being obstruction of the tube (n = 8, 7%), and migration of the tube (n = 7, 6%). Others were peritonitis (n = 5), haemorrhage (n = 4), infection at the exit site (n = 3), and leakage of fluid (n = 2). All were readily treatable.
Conclusions: Fixing the catheter in two places may prevent its migration. The complication rate of CAPD is acceptable, and in children with end stage renal failure it is a suitable alternative to haemodialysis while they are waiting for renal transplantation.