What is Nephrology?
A Simple Explanation for Patients
Nephrology is the branch of medicine that deals with kidney health—how your kidneys filter waste, maintain fluid balance, and control blood pressure. Think of your kidneys as your body’s natural purification plants. When they don’t work well, toxins build up, leading to swelling, fatigue, or serious complications. Nephrologists treat conditions like kidney infections, stones, failure, and autoimmune kidney diseases.
Why is Nephrology Needed?
Key Conditions Treated
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Gradual loss of kidney function that needs early management.
- Kidney Failure: When kidneys stop filtering waste and require dialysis or a transplant.
- Kidney Stones: Crystals formed in the kidneys causing pain or infections.
- Glomerular Diseases: Immune-related conditions that damage the kidney’s filtering units.
- Hypertension-related Damage: High blood pressure affecting the kidneys over time.
- Diabetes-related Kidney Issues: Leading cause of kidney damage worldwide.
Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Nephrology?
As one of the best nephrology hospitals in India, Manipal Hospitals offers comprehensive renal care backed by decades of clinical excellence. Our team includes top nephrologists, transplant surgeons, and dialysis specialists who manage everything from early-stage kidney disorders to complex transplant cases. We use advanced imaging, robotic surgical support, high-end dialysis units, and state-of-the-art ICUs to ensure safety and precision.
International patients benefit from priority appointments, global helpdesk assistance, teleconsultations, and tailored treatment plans. With infection-controlled transplant units, JCI-accredited systems, and high success rates, Manipal Hospitals is a trusted destination for kidney treatments across the world.
Types of Procedures Offered
Hemodialysis
A procedure that filters wastes and excess fluids from the blood using a dialysis machine when kidneys cannot function effectively.
Peritoneal Dialysis
A home-based dialysis method where the abdominal lining acts as a natural filter to remove toxins.
Kidney Transplantation
A surgical procedure to replace a failed kidney with a healthy donor kidney, offering long-term recovery and better quality of life.
Management of CKD & Glomerular Diseases
Medical treatment, monitoring, and lifestyle guidance to slow disease progression and prevent complications.
Kidney Stone Removal Procedures
Minimally invasive techniques such as ureteroscopy, lithotripsy, and PCNL for stone removal.
Who is the Right Candidate for Nephrology Treatment?
- Patients with persistent swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination.
- Individuals diagnosed with CKD or declining kidney function.
- People needing dialysis or transplant evaluation.
- Patients with recurrent kidney stones or infections.
- Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Those with family history of kidney disease.
Who Should Avoid or Delay Nephrology Treatment?
- Patients with active infections that need treatment first.
- Individuals unfit for surgery due to severe heart or lung issues (for transplant-specific treatment).
- Those with non-compliant diabetes or hypertension requiring stabilization.
- Patients with untreated cancer or severe infections.
- Individuals without adequate donor matching (for transplant).
Preparing for Nephrology Treatment
- Complete kidney function tests, urine analysis, and imaging scans.
- Review all medications with your doctor.
- Follow diet and fluid restrictions as advised.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake before procedures.
- Prepare medical records, travel documents, and insurance papers.
- International patients should coordinate airport pickup, stay options, and interpreter support with the Manipal International Patient Care Team.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Depending on the treatment—dialysis or transplant—the process varies. Dialysis involves inserting a catheter or using an existing access point to filter blood for several hours. For kidney transplantation, the procedure begins with anesthesia, followed by placing the donor kidney in the lower abdomen and connecting blood vessels. The hospital stay typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, based on the treatment.
Recovery After Nephrology Treatment
Recovery depends on the treatment undertaken. Dialysis patients can resume routine activities with regular sessions and dietary guidance. After a kidney transplant, patients spend several days in the hospital followed by periodic follow-ups. International patients can continue long-term monitoring via telemedicine consultations. Lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and regular checkups help maintain stable kidney function and prevent complications.
Risks & Complications
- Infection at dialysis access or surgical site
- Reaction to medications or anesthesia
- Rejection of the transplanted kidney
- Fluid imbalance or low blood pressure
- Blood clots or bleeding
- Rare complications such as delayed graft function or organ failure
Benefits of Nephrology Treatment
- Improved filtration of toxins and fluids
- Enhanced quality of life and reduced symptoms
- Ability to return to normal activities
- Long-term health stability after transplant
- Prevention of further kidney deterioration
Cost of Kidney Treatment at Manipal Hospitals
The cost of kidney treatments varies depending on the procedure dialysis, transplant, or medical management. International patients often find India significantly more affordable than Western or Middle Eastern countries, without compromising quality. Packages usually cover investigations, hospital stay, surgery (if applicable), and follow-up care, making Manipal Hospitals a cost-effective and reliable choice.
Why International Patients Trust Manipal Hospitals
Patient stories from across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia reflect our commitment to compassionate and precise kidney care. International travelers choose Manipal Hospitals for its advanced infrastructure, multilingual support, transparent pricing, and excellent clinical outcomes. As one of India’s most trusted destinations for renal treatment, we ensure a comfortable, reassuring journey from diagnosis to recovery.
