This paper specifies the peritoneal dialysis problems as a method of renal replacement therapy in a historical perspective. It pointed out to the dynamic development of peritoneal dialysis in the nineties and distinct slump of the presented treatment form at the turn of XXth and XXIst century, despite substantial progress in the dialysis techniques, effectiveness and biocompatibility of the therapy as well as a detailed evaluation of peritoneal function in vivo and in vitro. It showed descriptions and outline of the peritoneal cavity dating from ancient times, 19th-century animal experiments determining essential laws of peritoneal absorption and removal molecules, as well as the first peritoneal dialysis of a man which took place at the beginning of the 20th-century. The technical problems and peritonitis were the fundamental limitations of this therapy employment in this phase of dialysis development. The application of Tenckhoffs catheter and the technique specified as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was the invention and at the same time, the turning point which decided about the considerable progress of the described method of dialysis in the nineties. In this period, the analyses concerning failures of the peritoneal transport functions and protection of peritoneum during its long-term use as a dialysis membrane dominated. These studies referred to not absolutely biocompatibility factors of the environment of the peritoneal cavity during peritoneal dialysis. Thence, proposed future directions of analyses include researches concerning components of dialysis solution to assure long-term preservation of peritoneal transport functions and its secretory properties. It is not excluded that experiments of applying the newest achievements of regenerative medicine, in the scope of genetic modification and implantation of mesothelial cells will be continued.