Recurrent peritonitis remains the most frequent cause of CAPD failure and is potentially preventable. Patients’ non-compliance with the technique and exit-site infection may be important factors in recurrent peritonitis. Patients who remain free of peritonitis for one year are unlikely to develop recurrent peritonitis. Treatment of peritonitis should be initiated as soon as symptoms develop. Delay in treatment may lead to septicemic shock and death. Patients who have three or more episodes of peritonitis within the first year should be withdrawn from the CAPD program, if another mode of dialysis is appropriate for that patient. The reduction in the overall incidence of peritonitis in 1980 may reflect the elimination of patients with recurrent peritonitis rather than improvement in technique.