Renal replacement therapy: does the patient have a choice?

Abstract

Nowadays there is an emerging problem with renal replacement therapy in the world. Its main methods include dialysis and renal transplantation. However, many regions in the world do not have access to one or more therapy methods due to numerous economic, social, and other factors. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are shown to be equally efficient, however, it may be difficult to choose one. For each patient who is faced with the choice of a method of renal replacement therapy, the question is which way to choose. The moral and social aspects of such a choice are quite complex. Therefore, the role of a doctor, in addition to the qualified performance of renal replacement therapy, is largely advisory and requires patience and understanding of a patient. It is important to raise the awareness of patients and the level of medical staff education as well as provide equal access to all renal replacement therapy types in the world.