Ronco and Cruz (both Dept. of Nephrology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy) present a collection of 36 articles focusing on the physiological aspects of hemodialysis treatments as well as practical questions in the dialysis unit. Originally created as a supplement to the lectures presented at the 17th Annual International Course on Hemodialysis, a three-day event held in Vicenza, Italy, the text provides a valuable reference for the clinician interested in keeping up on developments in the field of hemodialysis. Thirty-six contributions by some 80 international academics, researchers, and practitioners are organized into ten sections covering dialysis technology, vascular access, epidemiology and practice, inflammation, fluid management, uremic toxicity, treatment efficacy, advanced techniques, calcium/phosphate homeostasis, and correction of anemia.