Nephrology

Overview

The Department of Nephrology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre provides expert care for a wide range of kidney-related conditions ranging from kidney stones and infections to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure. We offer advanced dialysis options and round-the-clock support for critical cases in the ICU. Kidney transplant management is a core strength—from initial evaluation through recovery—supported by our specialists experienced in both adult and paediatric kidney health. With seamless coordination and access to specialists across departments and the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technology, we ensure you receive the right care at the right time. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to your wellbeing—not just as a patient, but as a person.

Location: Level 3, Tower Building

Timing: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm

Our Services
Critical Care Nephrology Program
Technology & Infrastructure
Conditions We Treat
Academics

From early detection to long-term management, we offer a full spectrum of kidney care services ranging from routine diagnostic tests to complex treatment procedures, tailored to each patient’s needs and focused on making your experience as smooth as possible. Our services include:

Kidney function testing, where blood and urine tests check how well your kidneys are removing waste and balancing fluids, salts, and acids in your body.
24-hr urine creatinine clearance testing, where kidney performance is measured by checking how well your body clears creatinine through urine over a full day.
Ultrasound and Doppler studies, where sound waves are used to assess kidney structure, detect stones or growths, and plan dialysis access like AV fistulas.
Ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy, where a small sample of kidney tissue is safely taken using imaging to find out the cause of kidney disease.
Plasmapheresis, where harmful antibodies or substances are filtered from the blood to treat certain kidney and immune-related conditions.
Toxin removal therapy, where specialised blood purification methods are used to clear toxins and reduce inflammation in critically ill patients.
AV fistula surgery, where a connection is created between an artery and vein in your arm to provide safe, long-term access for dialysis.
Temporary dialysis catheter insertion, where a soft tube is placed in the neck or leg to quickly start dialysis when needed.
Permacath insertion, where a longer-lasting (3-6 months) dialysis catheter is placed using imaging, offering safer access with fewer chances of infection.
Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion, where a soft tube is placed into your abdomen using a keyhole procedure so you can do dialysis comfortably at home or overnight.
Haemodiafiltration, where a special form of dialysis removes more waste products to improve heart health and reduce long-term complications.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), where kidney support is gently provided 24/7 for critically ill patients in intensive care.
Kidney transplant services, where kidney transplants are performed using both living and deceased donors—including complex cases like ABO-incompatible and paediatric transplants.

Our Nephrology Department serves patients with serious kidney-related complications of other diseases as well. The program is designed to provide timely, personalised kidney care for those in intensive care, including patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), fluid overload on ventilators, sepsis-related kidney dysfunction, multi-organ failure, and those recovering from major surgeries such as cardiac or organ transplants. We also support patients with liver failure, poisoning, and other critical conditions where timely kidney intervention is essential. Our multidisciplinary team of nephrologists works closely with intensivists, cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, and dietitians to deliver thoughtful, coordinated care at every stage.

Using advanced technologies like bedside CRRT and high-efficiency haemodiafiltration (HDF), we ensure precise treatment even in the most complex cases. Whether it is dialysis in the ICU, managing electrolyte imbalances, or supporting recovery after surgery or transplant, our team is here to provide consistent care with compassion and clinical excellence.

Key Areas of Focus

Acute kidney injury (AKI) management
- Early diagnosis and timely intervention
- Preventive strategies to protect the kidneys from further damage caused by infection, low blood pressure, or medications
Kidney support therapies (Renal replacement therapy)
- Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): Gentle, 24-hour dialysis support for unstable patients in the ICU
- Intermittent haemodialysis (IHD): Regular dialysis sessions for stable patients needing kidney support
- Sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED): A slower form of dialysis used for patients who can’t tolerate standard treatments
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD): A less invasive dialysis option for selected patients, often performed at bedside
- Adsorption filters (OXIRIS, Cytosorb): Special filters used to remove toxins and severe infections from the blood
- Plasmapheresis: A blood purification technique used to treat immune-related kidney problems
Electrolyte & acid-base balance management
- Regular monitoring and correction of imbalances like high potassium, low sodium, or metabolic acidosis to maintain stability.
Management of sepsis-associated kidney dysfunction
- Specialized nephrology care for septic patients
- Focus on blood pressure maintenance to prevent further kidney damage

Our care for ICU patients extends well beyond discharge. Post-discharge from critical care, we closely monitor kidney function during the recovery phase and ensure a smooth transition to outpatient nephrology services when needed. Whether it is a temporary injury or a longer journey with kidney disease, we remain committed to supporting each patient’s progress with individualised follow-up and long-term guidance.

We understand that critical illness can be overwhelming — for patients and their families. That is why we take a holistic approach, combining medical expertise with emotional support, nutritional counselling, and regular communication. Every step of the way, our focus is on helping patients regain strength, protect kidney function, and return to daily life with confidence and care.

The department is equipped with advanced nephrology systems designed to deliver safe, precise, and continuous kidney support—even in the most fragile conditions. These advanced tools enhance treatment precision, improve patient outcomes, and support kidney function in life-threatening conditions.

Bedside CRRT machines allow continuous dialysis for patients with unstable blood pressure, reducing strain on the body during treatment.
High-efficiency haemodiafiltration (HDF) machines provide effective toxin removal while maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.

At the Department of Nephrology, we treat a wide range of kidney-related conditions, from common concerns to complex, multisystem disorders, with expertise and compassion, supporting patients through every stage of their health journey. Below is a list of conditions we specialise in treating:

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden decline in kidney function that can happen over hours or days.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A gradual loss of kidney function that develops over time.
End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD): The final stage of kidney failure, when the kidneys can no longer function on their own.
Dialysis-related complications: Problems that may occur during or after dialysis, such as low blood pressure or anaemia.
Vascular access issues: Concerns related to the entry points used for dialysis, such as fistulas or catheters.
Glomerulonephritis: A group of conditions that cause inflammation in the kidney’s filtering units.
Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: Imbalances in water and essential minerals like sodium or potassium.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Elevated blood pressure that can damage the kidneys over time.
Cystic disease of the kidney: Inherited conditions like polycystic kidney disease polycystic kidney disease, where fluid-filled sacs develop in the kidneys.
Congenital kidney disease: Kidney problems present from birth, such as Alport syndrome or congenital nephrotic syndrome.
Kidney stones and obstructive kidney disease: Hard mineral deposits or blockages in the kidneys or urinary tract that can cause pain, blockage, or difficulty passing urine.
Diabetic kidney disease: Kidney damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels.
Kidney Transplant-Related Conditions: Medical issues that may arise before or after a kidney transplant, such as organ rejection, infections, or transplant-related complications.
Other Kidney Disorders: Includes rare or inherited conditions, infections, and immune-related diseases that affect the kidneys.

Excellence at the Department of Nephrology extends beyond patient care to academic training. We offer a one-year Fellowship programme for Post-MD, DNB, and DrNB candidates in Anaesthesia, Critical Care, and Nephrology, culminating in an exit exam. The training includes hands-on experience in haemodialysis units, kidney biopsy procedures, and nephrology consultations, enhancing expertise in managing complex kidney disorders. We also organise an annual International Critical Care Nephrology Conference, where national and international experts come together to share insights, foster collaboration, and advance the standards of kidney care through research and education.