NephrologyNephrology Hospital in Rajkot
at Sterling Hospitals
Schedule Your Appointment Online
Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, is a multispeciality hospital with a dedicated nephrology department for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney conditions. The department offers diagnostic investigations, medical management, dialysis and kidney transplant-related care, with treatment planned according to each patient’s clinical needs.
Kidney Conditions Treated at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot
Kidney conditions can affect how the body filters blood, balances fluids and minerals, and regulates blood pressure. Symptoms and severity vary widely, and some conditions develop with few early signs. At Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, patients are evaluated and managed for a range of kidney and related conditions, including:
Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease
- Acute Kidney Injury: A sudden reduction in kidney function, often over hours or days, that may be linked to illness, dehydration, infection, medicines or other causes.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: A long-term condition in which kidney function declines gradually over months or years and may need regular monitoring and management.
- End-Stage Kidney Disease: An advanced stage of kidney function loss in which the kidneys can no longer meet the body’s needs without treatments such as dialysis or transplantation.
Glomerular and Inflammatory Kidney Disorders
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidneys’ filtering units, which may cause blood or protein in the urine, swelling and raised blood pressure.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: A group of features, including heavy protein loss in the urine, low blood protein levels and swelling, that results from damage to the kidney’s filtering units.
- Lupus Nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system affects different organs.
Kidney Disease Linked to Other Conditions
- Diabetic Kidney Disease: Kidney damage that can develop over time in people with diabetes, often first detected through protein in the urine.
- Hypertensive Kidney Disease: Kidney damage associated with long-standing high blood pressure, which can in turn make blood pressure harder to control.
Inherited and Structural Kidney Conditions
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: An inherited condition in which fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys and may enlarge over time, affecting kidney function.
- Congenital Kidney Abnormalities: Differences in the structure or position of the kidneys or urinary tract that are present from birth.
Infections, Stones and Obstruction
- Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Infection that reaches one or both kidneys, commonly causing fever, flank pain and urinary symptoms.
- Kidney Stones: Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and may cause pain, blood in the urine or urinary blockage.
- Urinary Tract Obstruction: A blockage that restricts urine flow and may affect kidney function if it persists.
Fluid, Electrolyte and Blood Pressure Disorders
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of minerals such as sodium, potassium or calcium in the blood, which may be related to kidney function.
- Kidney-Related Hypertension: High blood pressure caused or worsened by kidney disease, or that contributes to kidney damage.
Kidney Transplant-Related Conditions
- Transplant Rejection: A response in which the immune system identifies a transplanted kidney as foreign and attacks it, which may reduce the transplanted kidney’s function.
- Post-Transplant Infections: Infections that can occur more readily after transplantation because medicines that lower immune activity are needed to protect the transplanted kidney.
- Transplanted Kidney Dysfunction: A reduction in the function of a transplanted kidney that may arise from rejection, infection, medicine effects, blood vessel problems or other causes.
Kidney Diagnostic Services at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot
Diagnosing kidney conditions involves assessing kidney function, identifying underlying causes and evaluating the extent of any damage. The investigations recommended depend on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment. Diagnostic services may include:
Blood and Urine Tests
- Kidney Function Tests: Blood tests measuring creatinine and urea help assess how well the kidneys are filtering waste products.
- Electrolyte Tests: Measure minerals such as sodium and potassium in the blood to identify imbalances that may be associated with impaired kidney function.
- Urine Tests: Assess urine for protein, blood and other abnormalities that may indicate kidney disease or urinary tract problems.
Kidney Imaging
- Ultrasound: Produces images of the kidneys and urinary tract to help identify structural abnormalities, cysts, stones or urinary obstruction.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed images that may help assess kidney stones, structural abnormalities and other selected kidney conditions.
Specialised Diagnostic Procedures
- Renal Biopsy: Involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue for examination to help identify the cause and type of certain kidney diseases.
Kidney Treatment Options at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot
Treatment for kidney conditions depends on the underlying cause, the stage of kidney function and each patient’s overall health. Care may range from medicines and regular monitoring to dialysis and kidney transplantation, with specialist support for patients who are acutely unwell.
Medical and Supportive Care
- Medical Management: Many kidney conditions can be managed with medicines, dietary guidance, blood pressure and blood sugar control, and regular monitoring of kidney function. Treatment is tailored to the condition and may focus on slowing the progression of kidney disease, managing symptoms and preventing complications.
- Renal Intensive Care: Patients with severe or rapidly changing kidney conditions, including acute kidney injury and complications of kidney failure, may need close monitoring and organ support. Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, has a dedicated renal ICU for this purpose.
Dialysis
Dialysis performs part of the kidneys’ work of removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood when kidney function is significantly reduced. It may be needed for a short period in acute kidney injury or on a longer-term basis in kidney failure.
- Haemodialysis: Blood is passed through a dialysis machine, which filters waste products and excess fluid before returning the blood to the body. Sessions are carried out at scheduled intervals under the supervision of the care team.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: The lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is used as a natural filter. A cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity and later drained, carrying waste products and excess fluid with it. The suitability of this method depends on the patient’s medical condition and circumstances.
Kidney Transplantation
- Kidney Transplant: A kidney transplant involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into a person with end-stage kidney disease. Transplantation is considered after medical evaluation of both the recipient and the donor and is carried out in line with applicable laws and regulations on organ transplantation. Not every patient is a suitable candidate, and the decision depends on the individual’s overall health and clinical assessment.
- Post-Transplant Care: After a transplant, patients need regular follow-up, medicines to reduce the risk of rejection, and monitoring for infections and changes in kidney function. The nephrology team reviews each patient’s progress and adjusts treatment as needed.
Our Nephrology Team at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot
The nephrology department at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, includes nephrologists, transplant specialists and other doctors involved in kidney care. The list below gives the relevant details of each doctor.
Nephrology Doctors
Nephrology doctors across Sterling Hospitals
How to Book an Appointment at Sterling Hospitals
Appointments with nephrologists at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, can be booked by calling +91-98989 87878 or through the hospital’s online appointment booking facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should someone consult a nephrologist?
A person should consider consulting a nephrologist if they have persistent swelling in the legs, face or around the eyes, changes in urination, blood or foam in the urine, or high blood pressure that is difficult to control. People with conditions that can affect the kidneys, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, may also be advised to have their kidney function checked regularly. Early kidney disease can cause few or no symptoms, so testing is often the only way to detect it.
What is the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist?
A nephrologist specialises in the medical diagnosis and management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, kidney inflammation, and blood pressure and mineral disorders linked to kidney function. A urologist is a surgical specialist who treats conditions of the urinary tract and kidneys that may need procedures or surgery, such as stones and obstruction. Depending on the condition, patients may be cared for by either specialist or by both.
What are the early signs of kidney disease?
Early kidney disease may cause no noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, signs can include swelling, tiredness, reduced or increased urination, foamy or blood-tinged urine, loss of appetite, nausea and raised blood pressure. These symptoms can also have other causes, so a medical evaluation is needed to identify the reason.
Which tests are used to evaluate kidney conditions?
The tests depend on the symptoms and the suspected condition. Common investigations include blood tests for creatinine, urea and electrolytes, urine tests, ultrasound and CT imaging, and, where needed, a renal biopsy. A doctor chooses the tests based on the individual’s medical history and clinical assessment.
What is a renal biopsy, and when is it needed?
A renal biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of kidney tissue is taken and examined under a microscope. It may be recommended when the cause of kidney damage is unclear, or when protein or blood in the urine needs further investigation. The doctor explains the procedure and its risks before it is carried out.
Can kidney disease be managed without dialysis?
Yes, in many cases. Medicines, dietary guidance, blood pressure and blood sugar control, and regular monitoring can help manage kidney disease, particularly in its earlier stages. Dialysis or transplantation is considered when kidney function falls to a level at which the body can no longer remove waste and excess fluid adequately. The decision depends on the individual’s kidney function and overall health.
Which dialysis options are available at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot?
Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, offers haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Haemodialysis filters the blood through a dialysis machine, while peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as a filter. The nephrology team recommends a method based on the patient’s medical condition and circumstances.
Does Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, perform kidney transplants?
Yes. Kidney transplantation is carried out for eligible patients with end-stage kidney disease after medical evaluation of the recipient and the donor, in line with applicable laws and regulations on organ transplantation. Not every patient is a suitable candidate, and eligibility is decided after clinical assessment.
Does Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, have a renal ICU?
Yes. Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, has a dedicated renal ICU for patients with severe or rapidly changing kidney conditions, such as acute kidney injury or complications of kidney failure, who need close monitoring.