Nephrology

The Nephrology Department specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases. It focuses on maintaining kidney health, managing acute and chronic kidney failure, and providing life-saving therapies such as dialysis and kidney transplantation.

The department also plays a vital role in treating systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and rheumatic disorders, which commonly affect kidney function. In addition, nephrologists address complications such as electrolyte imbalances, acid–base disorders, and bone diseases related to kidney conditions.

Who Are Nephrologists?

Nephrologists are highly trained physicians who specialize in protecting kidney health, diagnosing complex kidney diseases, and providing advanced treatments to prevent or slow down kidney failure. They play a central role in guiding patients through all stages of kidney care, from managing high blood pressure and diabetes-related complications to offering life-saving therapies such as dialysis and kidney transplantation.

Becoming a nephrologist in Turkey requires a rigorous medical education pathway:

• 6 years of medical school

• 4 years of residency in Internal Medicine

• 3 years of subspecialty training in Nephrology

With this extensive training, nephrologists are equipped to:

• Deliver personalized medical treatments for kidney and related systemic diseases

• Perform advanced diagnostic procedures, including kidney biopsies and imaging-guided interventions

• Provide and monitor dialysis therapies (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis)

• Prepare and support patients before, during, and after kidney transplantation

Fields of Interest in Nephrology

The Nephrology Department provides comprehensive care for patients with kidney-related disorders, from early diagnosis to advanced treatments. Its scope covers both medical management of common conditions and specialized therapies such as dialysis and transplantation.

Conditions and Diseases Treated

The department provides expert care for:

• Acute kidney injury (sudden kidney failure)

• Chronic kidney disease (progressive renal failure)

• Hematuria (blood in urine) and proteinuria (protein in urine)

• Dysuria (painful urination)

• Edema and fluid retention

• Kidney stones and urinary tract infections

• Hypertension and its impact on kidney health

• Diabetic nephropathy (kidney involvement in diabetes)

• Kidney involvement in systemic conditions such as rheumatic diseases

• Kidney infections (nephritis, pyelonephritis)

• Cystic kidney disorders

• Acid–base and electrolyte imbalances

Procedures and Treatments Performed

Nephrologists provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services, including:

• Kidney biopsy for diagnosis of complex kidney diseases

• Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis catheter placement

• Management of hemodialysis fistulas

• Continuous monitoring and supervision of dialysis patients

• Preparation and follow-up of kidney transplant candidates

• Long-term care of patients before, during, and after kidney transplantation