Department of Nephrology

Nephrology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related conditions and disorders. Medical professionals who specialize in nephrology are called nephrologists. Nephrologists are highly trained physicians with expertise in the structure, function, and diseases of the kidneys and the urinary system.

The field of nephrology encompasses a wide range of kidney-related conditions, including:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Nephrologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing CKD, a progressive condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): High blood pressure can lead to kidney damage and is a common focus of nephrology care.
3. Kidney Stones: Nephrologists diagnose and treat kidney stones, which are hard mineral and salt deposits that can form in the kidneys.
4. Glomerular Diseases: Conditions that affect the tiny filtering units in the kidneys called glomeruli, such as glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome.
5. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): An inherited disorder characterized by the growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys.
6. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): The sudden and temporary loss of kidney function, often due to conditions like infection or dehydration.
7. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Nephrologists are involved in the care of patients with ESRD who require kidney replacement therapies like dialysis or transplantation.
8. Electrolyte and Acid-Base Imbalances: Nephrologists address disorders related to imbalances in electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium) and disturbances in the body’s acid-base balance.
9. Kidney Transplantation: Nephrologists are part of the multidisciplinary teams that assess, prepare, and provide post-transplant care for kidney transplant recipients.

Nephrologists use various diagnostic tools, including blood and urine tests, imaging studies, and kidney biopsies, to evaluate kidney function and diagnose underlying conditions. Treatment options may involve medication management, lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, dialysis, and surgical interventions.

Nephrology is a critical specialty in medicine, as kidney health is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Kidneys play a pivotal role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining electrolyte and acid-base balance. Nephrologists work to prevent, diagnose, and manage kidney diseases and disorders to improve the quality of life for their patients.

• Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
• Hypertension Management
• CKD Patient Management and Education
• Kidney Biopsy Hemodialysis
• CRRT Plasmapheresis
• Nephrology Related Clinical Trials
• AV Fistula
• Perm Cath insertion

Dialysis is a medical procedure used to perform the essential functions of the kidneys when they are unable to do so adequately. This procedure is primarily used to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when kidney function is compromised due to conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI). There are two main types of dialysis:

1. Hemodialysis (HD): Hemodialysis is the most common form of dialysis. During hemodialysis, the patient’s blood is pumped through a machine called a dialyzer or artificial kidney. Inside the dialyzer, the blood is filtered to remove waste products and excess fluids. The cleaned blood is then returned to the patient’s body. Hemodialysis is typically performed at a dialysis center several times a week, with each session lasting a few hours.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): Peritoneal dialysis involves using the patient’s peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter. A dialysis solution, also known as dialysate, is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter. Waste products and excess fluids pass from the blood vessels in the peritoneum into the dialysate, which is later drained. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, providing more flexibility to the patient’s schedule, and it comes in different forms, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

The choice between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis often depends on factors like the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and medical considerations. Both forms of dialysis aim to maintain the body’s proper balance of electrolytes, remove waste products, and manage fluid levels to keep patients as healthy as possible.

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for individuals with kidney failure or severe kidney dysfunction, allowing them to lead relatively normal lives despite the loss of kidney function. While it is an effective treatment, it does not fully replicate the complex functions of the kidneys, and patients often need to adhere to dietary restrictions and medications. In cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), dialysis may be a bridge to kidney transplantation, which can provide a more permanent solution for some patients.

Watch our Dr. Aravindhan has explained about Dialysis