Genital swelling as a surgical complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Genital edema was seen as a complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in 18 patients, who accounted for 4 per cent of all patients on CAPD. In the majority of patients, the swelling developed suddenly and painlessly in the scrotum, penis or labia majora. Some of the patients noticed ultrafiltration failure. In the majority of these patients, this was a result of fluid leakage through the patent processus vaginalis. In one female patient, fluid leaked through the implantation site of the catheter. A computed tomographic scan using contrast media is a useful diagnostic tool in identifying the side of the defect in patients with generalized scrotal or penile edema. Surgical repair of the hernia and the hole in the processus vaginalis or hernia sac prevented recurrence. A trial of temporary discontinuation of CAPD or intermittent peritoneal dialysis using small volumes of dialysis fluid prevented recurrence while reinstituting CAPD in patients with normal findings from contrast studies. Intermittent peritoneal dialysis using low volumes of dialysis fluid with stepwise increase prevented recurrence while reinstituting CAPD two to three weeks after surgical repair.