ABSTRACT

Introduction It is now nearly 200 years since the transport characteristics of the peritoneal membrane were first recognised and studied. These beginning experiments revolved around either the movement of substances from within the peritoneal cavity and their transport into the blood, or their removal from the blood and into the peritoneal cavity. The visceral peritoneal membrane of animals was amongst the membranes used during early experiments with haemodialysis. Although it was only during the last two decades that peritoneal dialysis was recognised as a suitable treatment for end stage renal failure, it has rapidly been accepted, and offers considerable advantages over haemodialysis, especially for people who value mobility in their work and leisure activities.