We performed a retrospective analysis of 673 patients with chronic uremia treated from 1973 through 1978. While MD had a high mortality during the first year, overall mortality was less than 50% in 5 yrs. Diabetics treated by MD have lower survival than do nondiabetics, though 14% may live for 4 yrs. Our local experience with RT has not been good with only 17% of 69 patients living through their third post-transplant year. Until the reasons(s) for our unsatisfactory transplant experience is discerned and remedies introduced, it can be expected that patient preference will be biased toward MD.