Specialist Kidney Care, Right Here in Soshanguve
Kidney disease is often silent. Blood pressure that will not settle, swelling in the ankles, protein or blood in your urine, or a routine blood test showing reduced kidney function are frequently the first signs, and by then a great deal can still be done to protect the kidneys you have.
Our nephrologist diagnoses and treats disorders of the kidneys, manages chronic kidney disease to slow its progression, and works alongside our on-site Dialysis & Renal Care Unit when kidney replacement therapy becomes necessary. Diagnosis, ongoing specialist management and dialysis are all available on one campus, close to home.
Our Nephrologists
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical evaluation and care. Kidney conditions require assessment by a qualified, HPCSA-registered nephrologist. Please consult a specialist for comprehensive evaluation and an individualised treatment plan.
Botshilu's Nephrology Service Offers:
Chronic Kidney Disease Management
- Staging and monitoring of chronic kidney disease
- Slowing progression through blood pressure, glucose and protein control
- Medication review to avoid drugs that harm the kidneys
- Management of anaemia, bone disease and mineral imbalance
- Planning ahead for dialysis or transplant referral when needed
Acute Kidney Injury
- Rapid assessment of sudden loss of kidney function
- Identifying and reversing the cause, dehydration, infection, obstruction or drug injury
- Inpatient management and monitoring during hospital admission
- Urgent dialysis when clinically indicated
- Follow-up to confirm kidney recovery
Dialysis Access and Referral
- Assessment of when dialysis should start
- Referral for fistula creation or catheter placement
- Haemodialysis on site through our Dialysis & Renal Care Unit
- Ongoing review of dialysis adequacy and complications
- Coordination with transplant centres where appropriate
Hypertension and the Kidney
- Investigation of resistant or unusually early hypertension
- Treatment of high blood pressure caused by kidney disease
- Protecting kidney function in diabetes and hypertension
- Coordination with our physicians and dietitians
- Long-term monitoring to prevent further damage
Glomerular and Autoimmune Kidney Disease
- Assessment of protein or blood in the urine
- Investigation of glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome
- Kidney involvement in lupus and other autoimmune conditions
- Immunosuppressive treatment and monitoring
- Referral for kidney biopsy where indicated
Diagnostic and Multidisciplinary Support
- Full pathology on site through Ampath, including kidney function and urine studies
- Ultrasound and CT imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract
- Renal dietitian support for fluid, salt, potassium and phosphate control
- Coordination with urology, cardiology and our physicians
- Social work and pharmacy support for long-term treatment
What Nephrologists Do
A nephrologist is a physician who has completed further specialist training in kidney medicine. Nephrologists diagnose and treat conditions where the kidneys are failing, inflamed, or being damaged by another illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
You may be referred to a nephrologist when:
- A blood test shows reduced kidney function (a raised creatinine or low eGFR)
- There is persistent protein or blood in your urine
- Blood pressure remains high despite treatment
- Kidney function drops suddenly during illness or after surgery
- Diabetes or hypertension has begun to affect the kidneys
- Dialysis is being considered, or has already started
Nephrology and urology are not the same thing. A nephrologist treats the kidney as an organ, its function, its filtering ability, and the diseases that damage it, using medication and dialysis. A urologist is a surgeon who treats structural problems of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, obstruction and prostate disease. The two work closely together, and you may see both.
Where dialysis fits in. Not everyone with kidney disease needs dialysis. Most people are managed with medication, diet and regular monitoring for many years. When kidney function does fall far enough, our on-site Dialysis & Renal Care Unit means treatment continues here, without travelling.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Concerns and Honest Answers
Kidney disease is usually silent until it is advanced. The kidneys have a large reserve, so function can fall by half before you notice anything at all. That is exactly why an abnormal blood or urine test is worth acting on early, while there is still function to protect.
No. Most people with chronic kidney disease never need dialysis. With blood pressure control, careful management of diabetes, the right medication and avoidance of drugs that harm the kidneys, progression can be slowed considerably, and in many cases held steady for years.
A referral from your GP or physician is helpful because it brings your history and previous results with you, but it is not essential. If a recent blood test has shown reduced kidney function, bring the result with you to your appointment.
No. Our Dialysis & Renal Care Unit is on site at Botshilu, so assessment, ongoing nephrology follow-up and dialysis all happen in one place, close to home.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers taken regularly, some traditional and over-the-counter remedies, and certain antibiotics and contrast agents can all affect kidney function. Never stop prescribed medication on your own, but do tell your nephrologist everything you take, including remedies bought without a prescription.