Peritonitis

It is not uncommon for patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure to cruise and most can successfully manage their own dialysis. Arrangements can be made for the dialysis fluids to be delivered directly to the ship. One such patient presented with peritonitis, an occasional complication of this therapy associated with turbidity of the dialysate and abdominal discomfort. We were able to discuss this case by satellite phone with the Renal Unit in the UK in charge of the patient. As a result dialysis fluid was sent for culture and Vancomycin was obtained in Lisbon. The patient was successfully treated onboard and completed his cruise.