The Department of Nephrology, nestled at the heart of modern healthcare, stands as a bastion of kidney care and renal expertise. This specialty branch of medicine focuses on the intricate workings of the kidneys, addressing an array of conditions from the common to the complex.
Nephrology is the medical subspecialty devoted to the study and management of kidney diseases and disorders. The kidneys, often referred to as the body's filtration system, play a vital role in maintaining overall health. They are responsible for filtering waste products, regulating fluid balance, controlling blood pressure, and producing essential hormones. Kidney dysfunction or disease can lead to a range of serious health issues, making nephrologists essential in diagnosing, treating, and preventing kidney-related conditions.
The Expertise of Nephrologists
Nephrologists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and management of kidney disorders. Their expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of kidney-related conditions, including acute and chronic kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, hypertension, kidney stones, and complex renal issues that may arise in the context of other medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases.
Conditions Treated by Nephrology
Nephrology addresses a wide range of conditions, including:
Specialized Procedures in Nephrology
The Department of Nephrology offers a range of specialized procedures and treatments tailored to individual patient needs. Some notable interventions include:
Innovations in Nephrology
The field of Nephrology has witnessed significant advancements, driven by innovative research and technological breakthroughs. Some noteworthy innovations include:
The Impact on Patient Well-being
The Department of Nephrology has a profound impact on patients' lives. Effective nephrology care can significantly enhance quality of life by managing symptoms, slowing the progression of kidney disease, and preventing complications. Treatments like dialysis and kidney transplantation offer life-saving solutions for those with end-stage kidney disease.
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Nephrology is the study of the kidney system. A nephrologist diagnoses and treats kidney problems such as kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, dialysis, renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, and renal cancer, among others. Additionally, nephrologists treat uncontrolled hypertension and renal function abnormalities caused by autoimmune disorders.
Nephrologists administer oral and intravenous treatments, as well as perform ultrasound-guided biopsies and aspirations. To treat ESKD/AKI patients, nephrologists employ hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, CRRT, and peritoneal dialysis. Depending on the underlying cause, there are many procedures and techniques.
In the case of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), the suitable candidate must meet the following criteria: Proper heart-lung functionality. There are no current infections in the recipient, no life-limiting medical conditions, comprehension, and commitment to taking medication consistently and following up; no smoking, drinking, or using recreational drugs.
Surgery is rarely required to remove stones. A large stone, a growing infection at the stone's location, urine blockage, or serious bleeding may all signal the need for surgery.
The first step in preventing stone recurrence is to eat a low-salt, calcium-rich, balanced diet, as well as drink plenty of water.
If left untreated, kidney stones can cause major problems such as kidney infection, damage with severe bleeding, and urinary obstruction. However, most kidney stones are too small to warrant treatment and pass naturally.
Your kidneys are responsible for filtering your blood, absorbing minerals, and producing urine. End-stage renal failure causes your kidney to lose 85-90% of its effectiveness, necessitating the use of dialysis, which helps filter out waste, salt, and excess water.
Kidney failure can arise from a variety of causes. Depending on the underlying reason, kidney failure can be reversed.
There are various safeguards one can take, such as quitting smoking and eating a balanced diet. Lose weight, drink plenty of water, and check all food labels to determine the sodium content.
Chronic renal disease slowly lowers kidney function. End stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs when the kidney fails to function correctly or at all (<10%) and cannot supply the body's daily needs.
Depending on your physical examination, history of illness, and symptoms, your nephrologist may ask you to get tested for the following: complete blood test, urine routine, microscopy, kidney function tests that include potassium, calcium, creatinine, BUN (blood urea nitrogen), blood cholesterol, if you have high blood pressure and ultrasound imaging of the kidneys.
When you cough or sneeze, a small amount of pee may pass. This is referred to as stress incontinence. It is more common among women who have just gone through pregnancy, delivery, and menopause. To treat stress incontinence, try doing more pelvic floor exercises. People who are overweight are more likely to develop stress incontinence. As a result, managing the condition requires maintaining a healthy weight.
Benign prostate enlargement is a natural aging process that results in a hypertrophied prostate. Depending on the patient's health situation and the surgeon's discretion, there are several surgical options: TURP, bipolar TURP, and Laser laser prostatectomy (HOLEP).
Before surgery, ask your doctor any questions you may have. If you are using insurance, confirm the paperwork required with your insurance provider and the hospital. Nil by mouth (NBM) 12 hours before the surgery. Pre-anesthetic checkup (PAC) will be performed. Depending on the type of operation, post-operative instructions vary, such as no solid food for 24 hours. Slowly introduce semi-solid meals over the next 2-3 days; you will have an IV in your hand and will be given antibiotics and analgesics to help the pain.
Your doctor may recommend follow-up appointments based on the patient's disease and health status. Ideally, you should see your doctor once every six months.
SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals provides extensive medical procedures backed up with our state-of-the-art technology and a team of highly qualified & experienced clinical experts.
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Kidney Stone
Department of Nephrology