What are Kidney Diseases?

There are two kidneys in a healthy human body. These organs filter harmful substances from the blood and provide that they are excreted from the body through urine. Disease in the kidneys can occur for many reasons. Major kidney diseases are listed as follows;

• Chronic kidney failure: It is the situation that the kidneys cannot work efficiently enough to provide the body’s needs. It can occur due to diseases such as blood pressure and diabetes in the body.
• Kidney stone: Small solids in the urine come together and form kidney stones. Kidney stones can cause infections in the urinary system. If necessary treatments are delayed, kidney failure may occur.
• Acute kidney failure: It is a disease that occurs due to the use of drugs and the formation of kidney stones.
• Kidney cancer
• Urinary tract infection: It is the formation of infection in the organs of the urinary system.
• Glomerulonephritis: It is the formation of infection in the glomeruli, which are the renal veins.
• Polycystic kidney disease: It is a disease of the formation of cyst structures as a result of mutations in the kidney.

How Are Kidney Diseases Diagnosed?

Kidney pains can have many causes. Several different tests may be required to make a diagnosis. These tests are listed as follows;

• Ultrasonography: The external structure and physical appearance of the kidney are examined.
• Tomography: The physical structure of the kidney is examined.
• Kidney function tests: Kidney functions are monitored.
• Urine test: It is the examination of urine.
• Biopsy: A small piece is taken from the kidney.

What is Kidney Surgery?

Some surgical interventions may be required if kidney diseases do not recover with medication.

• Endoscopic stone surgery
• Laparoscopy
• Percutaneous Surgery
• Kidney transplant surgery

How to Prepare Before Kidney Surgery?

Before the operation, chest X-ray and heart ECG results are requested. Before the operation, it is checked whether there is an infection in the urine. The drugs used by the patient in daily life should be presented to the physician’s information. The physician may interrupt the use of some or all of these drugs.

What Are the Risks of Kidney Surgery?

Although most of the operations are performed microsurgically, there is a possibility of some complications in the patient. Bleeding, urinary tract infection may be observed.

What Should Be Done After Kidney Surgery?

The patient can be discharged the day after the operation. Resting during the first week is important for the recovering process. In the next process, the patient can continue his/her daily life, provided that he/she does not do heavy work.