Final answer:
Various treatments for kidney diseases include nephrostomy for kidney stones, nephropexy for prolapsed kidney, and dialysis for kidney failure. A nephrologist specializes in these treatments and coordinates care based on the severity and type of kidney disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kidney Disease Treatment Options
Treatment options for kidney diseases are varied and depend on the specific condition. A nephrostomy, which creates an opening from the kidney to the skin, is typically employed to remove a nephrolith or kidney stone. This is necessary when the stone is too large to pass through the urinary tract or causes a urinary blockage. On the other hand, a nephropexy—the surgical fixation of a kidney—is often the required procedure for nephroptosis, where the kidney has prolapsed or dropped down from its normal position.
In cases where kidney stones are smaller and less obstructive, they might be treated with pain medication until they pass naturally. When stones cause more significant blockages, a medical procedure called lithotripsy can be used. Lithotripsy utilizes high-intensity ultrasound pulses to fragment the stone into smaller pieces that can more easily move through the urinary tract. For stones that require a direct approach, a surgical intervention might be necessary to remove them.
For more severe kidney conditions such as kidney failure, particularly when caused by diabetes, treatments can include dialysis. Dialysis involves mechanically filtering wastes from the blood, essentially taking over the role of the kidneys when they can no longer function adequately. With the help of a nephrologist, who is specialized in kidney diseases, patients can receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.