Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a medical treatment used to replace the function of damaged kidneys in people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is a condition in which the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood effectively. RRT helps to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body, maintain electrolyte balance, and manage blood pressure. There are several types of RRT, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Hemodialysis is the most common form of RRT, in which blood is removed from the body and filtered through a machine before being returned to the body. The machine acts as an artificial kidney, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Peritoneal dialysis involves filling the abdomen with a solution that absorbs waste and excess fluid, which is then drained out of the body.

Kidney transplantation involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into the body of a person with ESRD. Despite the effectiveness of RRT, it is not without its challenges and limitations. Hemodialysis requires frequent visits to a dialysis center, and patients may experience complications such as infections, blood clots, and low blood pressure. Peritoneal dialysis can also result in infections and complications such as hernias and bowel perforations. Kidney transplantation carries the risk of rejection and requires lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. In recent years, there has been significant progress in the development of new technologies and treatments for RRT, including wearable and portable dialysis devices, as well as new drugs to manage complications and improve outcomes. Additionally, there is growing interest in personalized medicine approaches to RRT, in which treatments are tailored to an individual's specific needs based on genetic and other factors.