Peritoneal dialysis, its indications and contraindications are reviewed in the light of recent technical developments and clinical experience with 69 patients on maintenance treatment. Protein depletion and peritonitis can no longer be considered inevitable endpoints of acute or chronic peritoneal dialysis. Based on an extensive experience in both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, it is suggested that perhaps as many as 20–25% of patients in need of dialysis should preferentially receive peritoneal dialysis treatment.