It is always useful to be able to direct people to a choice of publications so they can peruse them and use the ones that best suit their needs. But there are very few good books aimed at patients who have renal problems and their families. So, Kidney Dialysis and Transplantation, at your fingertips is a welcome addition to the range.

The back of this book also contains resources for further information, including:

		Websites, with brief descriptions of their content, for those who have entered the Internet age.
		Useful addresses and other references for those people who prefer more traditional sources of information.

The style of Kidney Dialysis . . . is question and answer. The wide range of questions that renal patients have are well represented, so a large amount of material is covered -- but not always in great depth. The text is enhanced and lightened by some simple diagrams and a few cartoons.

Topics covered

The topics covered in the early part of the book range from how your kidneys work and what happens when they do not, to the investigations someone might have and why. In another chapter, the treatment options for kidney failure are outlined.

It goes on to consider both living with and coping with kidney failure -- chapters which will be of considerable interest to those facing the life-changing challenge of kidney failure. It is to be hoped that it will encourage those who doubt that lifestyle adaptation is possible, and help them to see that although things are different, holidays are possible and many people enjoy a good quality of life.

Easy to read

The book is easy to read, but it is probably not one that would be read from cover to cover. Dipping in and out seems more appropriate to the question-and-answer style. Many people’s questions will be answered this way. If not the comprehensive index is worth a try.

Those who find that their question is not covered in sufficient depth -- or not at all -- may, however, find this book frustrating. But this book is clearly designed to cover a broad range of issues, and there are references at the end to help people find out more detail as they need it.

Kidney Dialysis and Transplantation, at your fingertips is a useful and welcome addition to available resources for people with kidney failure. It provides much information, hints and tips that many people will find useful. It uses an informal, broad-brush approach -- so those who like to know the ins and outs of everything you may well be disappointed. However, it may well provide the springboard for an information quest.

Dr Andy Stein and Janet Wild.

Kidney Dialysis and Transplantation, at your fingertips.

Class Publishing, London £17.99