The Essentials of Clinical Dialysis by Charles Hunter

Kidney dialysis is a procedure that is a substitute for many of the normal functions of the kidneys. Dialysis allows people with kidney failure (renal failure) a chance to live productive lives. When kidney function decreases to a critical level or complications arise, a person may need to start dialysis. There are two main types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: (1) Hemodialysis uses a machine and a filter to remove waste products and water from the blood, (2) Peritoneal dialysis uses a fluid (dialysate) that is placed into the patient's abdominal cavity to remove waste products and fluid from the body. This book is a clear and comprehensive guide to all aspects of dialysis, from preparing patients for dialysis, details of both haemo and peritoneal dialysis, to continuous haemofiltration techniques and complications of end stage renal disease. The book is aimed primarily at trainee nephrologists and renal nurses, but will be of relevance, use and interest to all other health care workers involved with patients with end stage renal disease such as pharmacists, dieticians, intensivists, and keen medical students.