The Physiology of Peritoneal Solute, Water, and Lymphatic Transport

Abstract

Few studies have been published on the magnitude of the surface area of the peritoneum. Wegener mentioned a surface area of 1.72 m2 in one adult woman [1] and Putiloff a value of 2.07 m2 in one adult male [2]. More recent autopsy studies reported lower values [3–5]; the average peritoneal surface area in adults ranged from 1.0 m2 [3] to 1.3 m2 [5]. Using CT scanning in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients a value of 0.55 m2 has been found [6].