Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis and its Treatment

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. The patients at high risk include those on peritoneal dialysis for more than 8-10 years and with high peritoneal transport characteristics, as well as those with a history of frequent peritonitis. Effective medical treatment with tamoxifen and immunosuppressive agents has been reported. Surgical enterolysis is necessary when irreversible intestinal obstruction develops. In the last few years, the mortality has decreased to a few percentage points as a result of the advances in the surgical techniques, but the recurrence rate is still very high.