Home dialysis and renal transplantation in the management of chronic renal failure.

In Australia, most patients with terminal renal failure can be offered rehabilitation by home dialysis or renal transplantation, or both. All patients require an initial period of dialysis and this can, in many cases, be carried out in the patient's home. Although the great majority of patients with terminal renal failure will receive a renal transplant, a further period of dialysis will be necessary if this is not successful until a second transplant can be carried out. Home dialysis is especially valuable for these patients, for country patients and for those unlikely to receive a satisfactory renal transplant.