The incidence of treated end stage renal disease (ESRD) continues to rise, particularly in the western world. Although renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for ESRD, the decline in the number of cadaveric organs, coupled with the rising demand for transplantation, means that an increasing number of patients will have to depend on dialysis. Vascular or peritoneal access is the Achilles' heel of any dialysis service.This book offers a clear description of the state of the art in providing and preserving a durable and reliable access. It also points the way to dialysis in the 21st century. The contributing authors are drawn from a wide background, with expertise in various aspects of dialysis access, including its history, the technique of placement, anaesthesia, radiology, nursing care and training of vascular access surgeons.There is currently a dearth of books on the subject of dialysis access. The few existing books on vascular access were written in the United States, with none from the UK. This volume is intended for use by transplant surgeons, general surgeons with an interest in vascular access, vascular surgeons, nephrologists, trainees and nurses. Dialysis services are expanding worldwide and this book is an invaluable guide for those involved in daily patient care and organisation of dialysis services.