Fast track your treatment
To book an appointment or speak with one of our friendly team, please get in touch using the options below.
Nephrology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Many diseases affecting the kidney are not limited to the organ itself and may require specialist treatment.
These disorders range from electrolyte disturbances and hypertension (high blood pressure), to the care of those with kidney failure, which requires renal replacement therapy. This can include dialysis and kidney transplant patients.
Diseases of the kidneys are very common. The charity Kidney Research UK estimates that there are around 3 million people in the country living with kidney disease.
There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment from experts. These experts can also provide advice on how to stay as healthy as possible and stop the kidney disease from getting worse.
Acute kidney injury is a sudden and recent reduction in your level of kidney function. Acute kidney injury is a medical emergency, as it can be potentially reversible if treated early enough.
In diagnosing kidney disease, there are various methods through which Consultant nephrologists can find the issue. Some of the standard tests carried out for diagnosis include blood tests, urine analysis, ultrasound scanning, renal biopsy and physical examination (fluid overload due to kidney failure will lead to a swelling in your legs and face).
At our hospitals, we are proud to facilitate Consultant nephrologists who can help test, diagnose, and treat or manage your renal disorder in order to help improve your quality of life.
Nephrologists treat a large array of renal disorders, such as:
- Glomerular disorders (when the filtering system in the kidney, known as the glomerulus) is not functioning properly;
- Urine abnormalities such as excess excretion of sugar, blood, protein or crystals;
- Tubulointerstitial diseases, which are disorders that affect the tubules in your kidneys;
- Renal vascular disease;
- Renal failure, either acute or chronic;
- Kidney and bladder stones;
- Kidney infections;
- Kidney, urethra or bladder cancer;
- Dialysis and its complications;
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and vasculitis and
- Effects of other diseases, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Nephrology with us will be carried out by our multidisciplinary team, comprising dedicated Consultants, nurses and more.
Whether you have kidney disease, or are suffering from the effects of other diseases, our team will strive to reduce your symptoms through effective treatment.
Treatment depends on the type of kidney disease and its severity, but many disorders can be treated through medication.
Dialysis
If the kidney is in a final stage of disease or it has reached renal failure, dialysis will be required to clear the blood of waste products.
You can opt for haemodialysis, an external device, or an artificial kidney to which you will be connected, or for peritoneal dialysis. For this type of dialysis you might have a catheter inserted in your abdomen or peritoneal cavity, which will assist with renal function.
Kidney transplant
A kidney transplant is when a healthy kidney is put into the body of someone whose kidneys aren’t working. End-stage chronic kidney disease, or kidney failure, is usually the reason for a kidney transplant. It is a major operation, but is less time-consuming than dialysis in the long run.
The kidney may come from a living person, as you only need one kidney and most people have two. Sometimes this will be a relative, as their blood and tissue types are more likely to be a close match to yours. However, a kidney could come from a recently deceased person who is deemed to be a good match.
The operation will place the new kidney into your body, in your lower abdomen. You’ll have regular check-ups for the rest of your life to ensure that the new kidney is working as it should, and to monitor the risks of rejection.
Booking your nephrology treatment with us differs depending on your condition and recommended treatment option.
To get started, you can book a consultation online with one of our many experienced nephrology Consultants. This is a simple and fast process. You can also book your consultation by calling 441413005009.
To familiarise yourself with the many treatment options for kidney issues that we offer, you can read our informative, in-depth treatment pages. This could help you to decide which treatment option might suit you best.
At your consultation, you will likely receive important diagnostic testing and discuss the right treatment option for you with your Consultant.
