Nephrology

Nephrologists are medical specialists who treat kidney disorders.

The kidneys serve several crucial functions, such as filtering our blood of toxins and removing waste from our bodies, balancing our fluids, and regulating our blood pressure and red blood cell production. When left untreated, non-functioning or diseased kidneys can lead to death within a matter of days.

The National Kidney Foundation estimates that nearly 26 million American adults suffer from chronic kidney disease, which often results in complete kidney failure.  This debilitating disease is usually the result of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive drug or toxin intake, urinary tract infections, family history, kidney stones and hypertension.

Early indicators of chronic kidney disease include swollen feet and ankles, poor stamina and sleep habits, dry and itchy skin, muscle cramping, poor concentration and appetite. 

Screenings for Chronic Kidney Disease involve a detailed health history and risk assessment, blood pressure readings, and blood and urine testing.

When kidney failure does occur, the renowned nephrologists and medical team at Watson Clinic’s Kidney Center provide state-of-the-art dialysis services.

Hemodialysis is the process by which a machine slowly filters blood, removes waste and returns the blood into the body.  This procedure, which is generally done about three times a week and takes about three to five hours per visit, can be performed at the Kidney Center facility or at home, depending upon what your nephrologist recommends. 

Peritoneal dialysis can easily be self-administered and performed at home.  A special solution is drawn through a catheter and fills the abdominal cavity waste and fluid, which later discharges through the cath or a cycler machine that runs during sleep.

Kidney Center’s well-trained staff offers a comforting environment in which hemodialysis machines slowly filter blood and remove waste.  The equipment is highly advanced and dialyzers are not reused.  The Center’s nephrologists take time with their patients and ensure that their needs are met.

Best of all, the Kidney Center is backed by Watson Clinic’s network of over 200 physicians from 40 different specialties, resulting in a continuity of care that benefits every patient and utilizes the best medical talents from urology, rheumatology, vascular surgery, dieticians, radiologists and other relevant collaborators.

The Kidney Center team guides patients through every phase of treatment, from diagnosis to anemia management to kidney biopsy and dialysis.  They can also provide timely evaluations and referrals for kidney transplantation procedures.

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