[Encapsulating peritonitis after chronic peritoneal dialysis. Apropos of 3 cases]

Encapsulating peritonitis has been recognized as a life threatening, evolutive complication of chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Three cases are reported. Etiological factors are multiple, the diagnosis is suspected on peritoneal clinical signs, partial small bowel obstruction and impaired ultrafiltration. Barium studies and CT scan show small bowel enclosed within a peritoneal cocoon, prolonged transit time, wall thickening and a trabeculated fluid collection. Laparotomy confirms the diagnosis and reveals the pathological stage of disease. The surgical treatment consists of striping away the encapsulating membrane if possible while multiple incisions and loops release are indicated in other cases. The prognosis is poor unless an early surgical treatment is done.