Professor Doron Schwartzhead of the nephrology and dialysis department
When it comes to kidney health, it is important to trust the experience and technologies that have proven effective worldwide. Israeli clinics, among which Ichilov holds a special place, successfully combine precise diagnostics, modern equipment, and deep knowledge of nephrology. Leading specialists are available here, and each patient is treated with attention and care. Within the first few days, a complete understanding of the situation is achieved, and therapy can begin.
Treatment methods are tailored individually, taking into account the diagnosis, disease stage, and overall condition. A team of doctors from various fields works together to consider all nuances. This approach helps achieve sustainable results, even in very complex situations.
For maximum patient comfort, personal support is provided throughout the treatment period. Experienced coordinators assist with organizing medical procedures, translating documentation, resolving everyday issues, and maintaining communication with treating physicians. This support allows patients to fully focus on recovery without being distracted by organizational matters.
About the disease
Kidney diseases are a group of disorders in which the kidneys lose their ability to perform their functions fully: filtering blood, removing toxins, regulating pressure, and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. Pathologies can be acute or chronic, affecting one or both kidneys, and in advanced cases, leading to renal failure.
Causes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Autoimmune diseases
- Urinary tract infections
- Hereditary factors
- Toxic effects of drugs or chemicals
- Kidney stones
- Ureteral obstruction (e.g., due to tumours or strictures)
Symptoms
- Swelling of the face, legs, and feet
- Frequent or infrequent urination
- Change in urine color
- Increased blood pressure
- Back pain
- Weakness, rapid fatigue
- Nausea, loss of appetite
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth or ammonia smell
Kidney Disease Treatment Methods
The choice of kidney disease treatment methods is based on the disease stage, the organ's functional state, and the patient's overall condition. A combined approach often includes several methods simultaneously to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Conservative therapy
Used in the early stages of chronic kidney disease and in acute conditions. It is based on the use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, and medications to correct electrolyte balance. It includes statins for vascular protection, iron preparations, and erythropoietin for anemia. The targeted impact on the renin-angiotensin system slows the progression of nephropathy. Stabilization of kidney function, reduction of proteinuria, and achievement of long-term remission of the disease are achieved.
Hemodialysis
Used in end-stage renal failure when the glomerular filtration rate falls below critical values. The technology is based on the principle of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane using various types of dialyzers. High-flux and low-flux membranes, ultrafiltration control systems are used. Hemodiafiltration combines diffusion and convection to improve the clearance of medium molecules. It provides replacement of the kidney's excretory function, achieves remission of uremic symptoms, and normalizes fluid and electrolyte balance.
Peritoneal dialysis
Used as an alternative to hemodialysis when residual kidney function is preserved and there are no contraindications from the abdominal cavity. It uses the peritoneum as a natural semipermeable membrane. Technologies include continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis. Solutions of varying osmolarity with glucose, amino acids, or iodinated contrast are used. Gradual removal of toxins and excess fluid is achieved, maintaining stable remission of uremic syndrome while preserving residual kidney function.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Used for kidney stones up to 2 cm in the calyx-pelvic system without signs of obstruction. The technology is based on generating focused shock waves in various ways: electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric. Modern lithotripters are equipped with ultrasound and X-ray guidance systems for precise energy focusing. Power modulation algorithms and pulse frequency are used to optimize fragmentation. Non-invasive destruction of calculi is ensured, followed by the natural passage of fragments through the urinary tract.
Regenerative medicine
Is in the clinical research stage for chronic kidney diseases with irreversible changes in the parenchyma. It is based on the use of stem cells for self-repair of the kidneys and the creation of new tissues to replace damaged ones. Mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and adipose tissue, induced pluripotent stem cells are used. Tissue engineering technologies allow the creation of three-dimensional matrix constructs for targeted regeneration. Partial restoration of functional parenchyma and slowing the progression of sclerotic processes in kidney tissue are achieved.
Immunoadsorption
Used in autoimmune kidney diseases, including rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis. The technology is based on the selective removal of pathological antibodies, immune complexes, and cytokines from blood plasma using special columns with immobilized ligands. Protein A columns are used to remove immunoglobulins, antigen-specific adsorbers, and columns with tryptophan. The procedure is combined with plasmapheresis to enhance effectiveness. Rapid reduction of pathological antibody titers, alleviation of active inflammation, and achievement of remission of the autoimmune process are achieved.
Plasmapheresis
Used in acute conditions: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The technology of centrifugal or membrane blood separation allows the removal of pathological plasma with toxins, antibodies, and inflammatory mediators. Automatic blood cell separators are used to replace plasma with albumin, fresh frozen plasma, or crystalloid solutions. Cascade plasma filtration provides selective removal of macromolecular substances. Rapid removal of circulating toxins and restoration of normal plasma composition to alleviate acute conditions are achieved.
- Hemodialysis in Israel
- Plasmapheresis in Israel
- Peritoneal dialysis
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
All diagnostic procedures for treating kidney diseases at Ichilov Clinic are carefully planned in advance and are usually conducted within three days. This compact and organized approach allows for a quick understanding of the patient's condition and moving on to selecting the optimal treatment plan without delay.
First day
Immediately upon arrival, the patient undergoes an initial consultation with the treating physician. The doctor conducts a physical examination, collects a detailed medical history, assesses symptoms, and based on this, formulates individual recommendations for examination. This allows focusing the diagnostics on key aspects of kidney condition and associated systems.
Second day
The next day, a comprehensive diagnostic examination is conducted, covering all important areas for an accurate assessment of the kidneys and the body as a whole. Among the possible studies:
- complete blood count
- biochemical blood analysis
- urine analysis
- urine analysis according to Nechiporenko
- urine analysis for Bence-Jones protein
- creatinine clearance test
- 24-hour urine analysis
- ultrasound examination of the kidneys
- CT scan of the kidneys
- magnetic resonance imaging
- radioisotope scanning of the kidneys
- excretory urography
- angiography of renal vessels
- cystoscopy
- kidney biopsy (if necessary)
- blood electrolyte test
- hormone level testing (renin, aldosterone)
- glomerular filtration rate determination
Third day
Based on all collected data, the clinic's doctors develop an individual treatment plan. Specialists from different profiles participate in its development – nephrologist, urologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, and if necessary, a rheumatologist and dietitian. This multidisciplinary approach allows for consideration of all nuances of the patient's condition, selecting the most effective and safe therapy methods, and ensuring a high level of medical support.
Modern Diagnostic Methods
- Biopsy
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
- Blood biochemistry
How much does treatment cost in Israel
The cost of treatment is always formed individually and depends on many factors: the volume of necessary diagnostic procedures, the complexity of the clinical case, the chosen method of therapy, and the duration of stay in the clinic. Thanks to a well-thought-out planning system, the patient receives only the necessary examinations and procedures, making treatment effective and economically justified.
To get an accurate calculation of the cost in your case, you need to contact a consultant at the phone number provided on the website. The consultant will provide information about the preliminary diagnostic program, estimated costs, accommodation options, and answer all organizational questions.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Highly qualified nephrologists with extensive experience.
- Access to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
- Advanced technologies that enable successful treatment.
- Multidisciplinary approach to patient management.
- Personalized care and comprehensive support.
Even before traveling to the Israeli clinic, the patient can order an online consultation with the required specialist. This will provide valuable recommendations, comprehensive answers to all questions, and complete confidence in the chosen treatment plan.