Nephrology is a specialty of medicine that concerns itself with the kidneys the study of normal kidney function and kidney problems, the preservation of kidney health, and the treatment of kidney problems, from diet and medication to renal replacement therapy (dialysis and kidney transplantation).

Patients with a severe degree of kidney failure cannot lead a comfortable life with medications and dietary restrictions alone. They need a treatment modality called dialysis which is a procedure to purify the blood by removing toxic substances. The term chronic renal failure denotes a permanent loss of kidney function which need lifelong maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant.