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Nephrology

Nephrology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the kidneys. A nephrologist is able to evaluate proper kidney function, identify and treat kidney disease and care for you if you have kidney cancer.

Nephrologists in Richmond, Virginia

When you have kidney trouble, our nephrologists can help.

Chippenham Hospital's kidney specialists provide the kidney care you need to get back to the activities you love. We diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including kidney cancer, and offer minimally invasive treatments to restore your quality of life.

Kidney conditions we treat

Some of the conditions our kidney specialists diagnose and treat include:

  • Acute or chronic renal failure
  • Alport syndrome
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • End stage renal disease
  • Kidney cancer
  • Kidney failure
  • Kidney stones
  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Renal tubular acidosis

Our nephrology services

As a part of our nephrology program, our dedicated kidney specialists help diagnose and treat kidney issues based on your unique circumstances.

What doctor treats kidney diseases?

A nephrologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats kidney diseases and disorders. Nephrology and urologic care often overlap because both specialties involve the kidneys. However, while a urologist treats conditions of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, a nephrologist focuses solely on the kidneys.


Our nephrology treatments

Many kidney problems require surgery, but we do our best to prioritize nonsurgical treatments whenever possible. When surgery is needed, our nephrologists are equipped to perform minimally invasive procedures, including the following:

  • Cryosurgery — This procedure injects argon gas into a tumor in order to freeze it, killing cancerous cells while sparing healthy kidney structures.
  • Endourology procedure — This procedure is performed to extract kidney stones via natural entry points to the kidney.
  • Nephrectomy — This procedure involves the surgical removal of all (radical) or part (kidney-sparing) of the kidney.

Treatments for chronic kidney disease

If you are dealing with chronic kidney disease, whether caused by diabetes or a genetic condition, we offer advanced care including:

  • Kidney disease screening and diagnostic services
  • Diabetes counseling and nutrition services
  • Inpatient kidney dialysis
  • Dialysis graft declotting

Our kidney transplant program

If your condition requires a kidney transplant, our sister facility, Henrico Doctors' Hospital, offers a kidney transplant program through its Virginia Transplant Center. There, surgeons and clinicians specialize in kidney transplant surgery, living kidney donations and paired kidney exchanges.

The team at the Virginia Transplant Center is there for you every step of the way, from the moment you are referred, all the way through follow-up appointments.


Understanding kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a blanket term applying to several conditions affecting the kidneys. However, it generally pertains to the gradual loss of kidney function over time because your kidneys are damaged and can no longer filter blood the way they should.

CKD can cause waste to build up in your body and lead to other serious health concerns. CKD may be caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. Some infections, inherited diseases and injuries can also lead to kidney disease.

Concerned about your kidney health?

Early detection and lifestyle changes can prevent kidney disease and kidney failure.

Preventing kidney disease

Whether you have diabetes or not, keeping your kidney health in mind is crucial to your overall well-being. To help keep your kidneys healthy:

  • Choose low-sodium foods
  • Keep your blood pressure below 130/80
  • Keep your blood sucrose in the target range, if you have diabetes

Our Nephrology Locations

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