Chronic renal failure is defined as a progressive, permanent and definitive deterioration in the purification and hormonal function of the kidneys. If the diagnosis is made in time, thanks to screening by blood tests, in the case of predisposing illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension, it is possible to adopt certain therapeutic methods to slow down the loss of renal function over time and delay the arrival at the dialysis stage. Kidney failure occurs when 50% of the nephrons, the functional units of the kidneys, have been destroyed.

Replacement therapy is required when more than 90% of the nephrons have been destroyed. The choice of technique (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or transplant) depends on a number of factors: age, weight, living conditions, other pathologies. The choice of technique is made by mutual agreement between the doctor and the patient.