Kidney and Urinary Care

Urology services may include medication, endoscopic procedures, laser treatment, laparoscopic surgery, reconstructive procedures, and other interventions depending on the diagnosis.

When Do You Need a Nephrologist?

A nephrologist specialises in medical conditions affecting kidney function. Nephrology consultation may be appropriate for:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Reduced kidney function
• Protein in the urine
• Persistent blood in the urine related to kidney disease
• Difficult-to-control high blood pressure associated with kidney disease
• Diabetic kidney disease
• Glomerulonephritis
• Acute kidney injury
• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Advanced kidney disease
• Dialysis
• Kidney transplantation

Some patients may require both nephrology and urology care. For example, urinary obstruction can affect kidney function and may require treatment by a urologist while a nephrologist monitors the kidneys.

Kidney Stone and Urinary Surgery

When medicines or conservative treatment are not sufficient, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended.

Depending on the condition, procedures can include:

Ureteroscopy

A thin instrument is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone. The stone may be fragmented using a laser and removed or allowed to pass in smaller fragments.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

This procedure is generally used for larger or complex kidney stones. A small access tract is created through the skin into the kidney, allowing the stone to be fragmented and removed.