Nephrology

Nephrology

Nephrology is a branch of medicine that deals with kidney diseases and carries out diagnosis, treatment, and research activities in this field. The Nephrology Department is one of the units that diagnose and treat patients by addressing various conditions related to kidney health.

Diseases for Which Diagnosis and Treatment Services are Provided

• Hypertension
• Kidney diseases that cause protein loss in the urine and bleeding in the urine
• Acute and chronic kidney failure
• Kidney diseases related to diabetes
• Chronic glomerulonephritis (nephritis)
• Electrolyte disorders
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Cystic kidney diseases

The department also evaluates systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatological diseases), conditions such as dehydration, heart failure, sepsis, and the effects of medications on kidneys. It provides kidney replacement treatments (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation) and follows up on these patients.

Symptoms of Nephrological Diseases

The kidneys play a critical role in cleaning waste products from the body and maintaining fluid-electrolyte balance. Symptoms of nephrological diseases include:

• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bloody urine
• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Swelling around the eyes
• Shortness of breath

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a nephrologist.

Kidney Failure

Sudden (Acute) Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly slow down due to infections, medications, urinary tract obstructions, excessive fluid loss, or serious low blood pressure.

Symptoms:

• Increased blood pressure and creatinine values
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling in the legs and eyelids
• High blood pressure
• Decreased urine volume
• Darkening of urine color

This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Long-Term (Chronic) Kidney Failure

Chronic kidney failure occurs due to chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney stones, which reduce kidney functionality over time.

Symptoms:

• Weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Increased blood pressure
• Bone weakness

Early diagnosis is crucial as symptoms may not appear in the early stages.

Treatment Methods

Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation

Our hospital provides dialysis services and offers kidney transplantation treatment with an experienced organ transplantation team.

• Dialysis: Removes waste materials and excess fluid from the body when the kidneys cannot perform their duties.
• Kidney Transplantation: Restores lost kidney function, offering the most ideal treatment option in the final stages of kidney failure.

After a kidney transplant, patients are required to use immunosuppressive medications and undergo regular follow-ups with a specialist.

Nephritis

Nephritis is defined as inflammation of the kidney tissue, affecting the kidney's filtering process. It is diagnosed using a kidney biopsy and may involve protein loss in the urine, blood elements, and loss of kidney function.

Kidney Stone

Kidney stones affect 19% of men and 9% of women up to the age of 70. Genetic factors, metabolic diseases, and lifestyle contribute to stone formation. If untreated, kidney stones can harden and lead to kidney failure.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are common, especially in women and children. The most common form is an infection in the bladder called acute cystitis.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Burning during urination
• Frequent urination
• Nausea

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the infection from becoming severe or leading to kidney failure.

Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). It increases life expectancy and improves quality of life.

Kidney Transplantation Process:

• Performed using a kidney from a living donor or a cadaver.
• Living donors can include relatives, spouses, or acquaintances (with ethics committee approval).
• After the surgery, the patient is typically discharged within 7-10 days and begins lifelong immunosuppressive treatment.
• Regular follow-ups with specialists ensure long-term success.