Our nephrological clinic is specialised in the diagnosis and therapy of patients with chronic kidney diseases. In cooperation with the KfH kidney centre in Krefeld, we offer comprehensive care from early treatment and therapy in advanced stages to the various kidney replacement procedures such as dialysis (blood purification). We also provide patient care before and after kidney transplantation.
Causes
Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and smoking are main causes for an insidious functional disorder of the kidneys, but also incorrectly taken medication or repeated inflammation of the kidneys and renal pelvis can cause kidney damage in the long term.
Those affected initially do not notice indications from the disease because they often suffer from unspecific symptoms such as tiredness or loss of appetite. You might have to urinate more often - especially at night - feel thirsty, have high blood pressure or have water retention in your legs. Patients with risk factors for kidney failure, such as diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure, should be particularly sensitive to such signs and should have their kidney function checked regularly as a precaution.
Individual and stage-specific treatment
We advise you individually with a tailored treatment to the underlying disease. Chronic kidney failure may be divided into five stages (1 = mild, 5 = severe or requiring dialysis) according to the degree of functional impairment. The treatment of chronic kidney failure is primarily aimed at counteracting further deterioration of kidney function and maintaining the remaining kidney function.
In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, a change in the individual risk factors and coordinated drug therapy help to keep blood values within the normal range despite the disease. As kidney insufficiency progresses, the treatment of the consequences of kidney insufficiency - such as high blood pressure, hyperhydration, imbalance in the salt and acid-base balance or the disturbance of blood formation and bone metabolism - becomes more important.
In all stages of chronic kidney disease, diet and drinking habits are particularly important. As the nutritional medical recommendations depend on the individual limitations, we closely cooperate in a team of physicians and nutritionists.
Dialysis and other kidney replacement procedures
If the renal insufficiency has progressed to such an extent that the body is no longer able to detoxify or dehydrate itself a so-called renal replacement therapy becomes necessary. With the help of various kidney replacement procedures such as dialysis (blood purification) we can cleanse the body of accumulated toxins, salts and excess water.
If a kidney transplant is considered, we will support you in all aspects of preparation and aftercare and work closely with the transplant centres in our region. In this case, our medical specialists will inform you in detail about the various kidney replacement procedures and will coordinate your individual treatment with you.
If your chronic kidney disease requires permanent dialysis care, you will usually be given permanent dialysis access, a peritoneal catheter for peritoneal dialysis or a so-called "arteriovenous fistula" or "shunt" for haemodialysis in the course of a minor surgical procedure.