Abstract

Two patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PP) had repeated intraperitoneal washing with 5% dextrose in water. Both responded to this therapy with decrease in abdominal girth. The second patient is alive, without abdominal distention, more than 112 weeks since beginning peritoneal washing therapy (PWT) for ovarian PP. Biochemical assays of urine before and after PWT show that acid mucopolysaccharide is excreted in the urine, probably after being absorbed through the peritoneal surface. The long-term effects of this procedure on renal function are not known, but PWT appears to be reasonable and safe ambulatory therapy for PP.