Nephrology & Dialysis

Patients with complaints relating to kidney function are referred to the department. After an initial assessment, the treating nephrologist requests appropriate diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, ultrasonography, kidney biopsy etc. Based on the test results a diagnosis is made and appropriate care/treatment is given or advised. The outpatient clinic also provide counseling regarding life style modification, diet and options of renal replacement therapy.

While many kidney problems can be treated by medication, diet and life style changes, in some patients the extent of kidney damage may be too severe to allow any improvement through medicines alone. In such cases the treating nephrologist would advise the patient to opt for renal replacement therapy to replace the function of the failing kidneys, namely – hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or renal transplantation. The advantages and disadvantages of each dialysis modality are discussed in detail with the patient and his/her family by the treating nephrologist before a final decision is made.

In hemodialysis, the patient is connected to a dialysis machine (either through a dialysis catheter inserted into a neck or leg vein or through an AV fistula) and the patient’s blood, after removal of waste products by the machine, is returned back to the patient. Thus, these machines are actually artificial kidneys. The nephrology department has a dialysis unit which presently houses 9 hemodialysis machines, of which one is exclusively used for ICU dialysis. Dialysis is done by trained hemodialysis therapists along with nursing staff under the supervision of the consultant Nephrologist.

Renal replacement therapy in the form of maintenance Hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease and acute Hemodialysis for Acute kidney injury are done here. Plasmapheresis and other modalities of treatment are also available. This is backed up by a good critical care ICU. The nephrology department is well equipped to perform kidney biopsies in diagnosing and treating various renal diseases.

Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) and femoral Double lumen catheterization under Ultrasonography (USG) guidence. Also permanent catheters are inserted if required.