Abdominal hernia in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

We found abdominal hernias in 12 of 51 patients trained for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Five patients were noted to have abdominal hernias before the start of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and the conditions of seven patients were diagnosed during routine clinic visits. Four patients had incarceration. We suggest that a careful search for the presence of a hernia be performed at the initial examination for peritoneal dialysis. Continued monitoring of the patient's condition for the development of a hernia is essential. If a hernia is found, elective repair should be performed.