13^th World Nephrology Conference

Nephrology is the medical specialty which focuses on kidney conditions and abnormalities, involving the study of normal kidney function, kidney problems, the treatment of kidney problems and renal replacement therapy i.e dialysis and kidney transplantation. A Nephrologist, also called a renal physician, is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions related to human kidneys. In most cases, patients are referred to Nephrologists by other physicians. Though Nephrology is a subspecialty of internal general medicine, the branch of medicine involved in diagnosing and treating diseases mainly in adults, it also deals with kidney abnormalities in children. Nephrologists diagnose and treat a variety of conditions such as kidney disease, electrolyte disorders, renal failure, high blood pressure and kidney stones. They perform various tests like blood tests, urine tests and biopsies to find out diseases that affect the kidney. Their treatment includes regulation of electrolyte and blood pressure, medication and dialysis. Excluding procedures such as kidney biopsies and catheter placements, they do not do surgery, though they often work closely with urologists who perform medical as well as surgical intervention. Nephrologists must have a solid understanding of nephrology and the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions.