Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis--a clinician's approach to diagnosis and medical treatment.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is recognized as a serious complication of continuous peritoneal dialysis. A preliminary diagnosis of EPSis usually based on clinical signs and symptoms, which commonly include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal fullness, an abdominal mass, bowel obstruction, and radiologic findings, including abdominal roentgenogram, contrast studies, ultrasound studies, and computed tomography. The diagnosis is confirmed by laparoscopy or laparotomy showing the characteristic gross thickening of the peritoneum enclosing some or all of the small intestine in a cocoon of opaque tissue. A variety of therapeutic approaches to EPS have been reported. This review discusses medical treatment of EPS and includes an overview of the clinical features and diagnostic aspects of the condition.