Renal Medicine

The Department of Renal Medicine at Sengkang General Hospital is a dynamic department that serves the one million residents of the northeast region of Singapore.

We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients with kidney-related conditions. We offer both inpatient and outpatient care to our patients, with 24/7 service for all common emergency kidney-related medical conditions.

Our focus is on providing personalised care that meets the unique needs and preferences of each patient, and we strive to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care possible.

Patient Care Services

Inpatient Care

Kidney patients are cared for in different wards. In addition, there are two dedicated wards where kidney patients are looked after. The department features a modern, purpose-built Renal Dialysis Center (RDC) with 17 stations, providing haemodialysis(HD) support for inpatients. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients receive treatment from specialised nurses at the bedside. The kidney specialists oversee the dialysis treatment for all inpatients who require dialysis.

Interventional nephrology

HD treatment requires access to patient’s blood which is known as vascular access. The interventional nephrology service is a subspecialty that focuses on vascular access procedures such as angioplasty, thrombolysis, tunnelled and non-tunnelled dialysis catheter insertions.

Procedures such as kidney biopsies and temporary non-tunneled dialysis catheter insertions are done under ultrasound guidance by kidney specialists in the procedure room. Tunnelled dialysis catheter insertions are done at the radiology department. Vascular access salvage procedures such as angioplasties and thrombolysis are performed by interventional radiologists and the vascular surgeons. PD catheter insertions are done by vascular surgeons.

Critical care nephrology

Kidney specialists supervise the kidney replacement therapy of critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and high dependency unit. The treatments provided include continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) and HD. Specialised treatment such as therapeutic plasma exchange is also carried out by the dialysis nurses under the supervision of kidney specialists.

Outpatient care

General nephrology clinics cater to patients with a range of kidney diseases such as diabetic kidney disease, hypertensive nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis and electrolyte abnormalities. For patients with progressive kidney disease, the emphasis is to treat the cause, prevent worsening of kidney disease and progression to end stage. Patients who are at significant risk of progression are referred to our Renal Coordinator (RC) clinic for education and counselling so that the patients are able to learn more about how to take care of themselves better in order to prevent kidney failure.

Renal department also offers subspeciality clinics.

Low clearance clinics are meant for patients approaching end stage kidney disease. These patients are assessed by our multidisciplinary team comprising of the nephrologist, Renal Coordinators (RC) and Medical Social Workers (MSW). Patients are counselled on the long term options of kidney replacement therapy such as kidney transplant, HD, PD and conservative management to help them make an informed decision.
Peritoneal dialysis training center (PDTC) is located in the medical centre at level 7. It offers PD training and doubles up as a walk-in clinic for PD patients with intercurrent problems. Patients accepted into the PD programme are managed by a team that includes kidney specialists, specialist nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, RCs and MSWs.
Transition care clinics are for newly initiated HD patients. This clinic also has a multidisciplinary approach. In addition to the medical care by kidney specialists with an interest in HD, patient education and psychosocial support is provided by the RCs.
Conservative care clinics are for elderly patients with significant medical conditions who opt for conservative (non-dialytic) therapy. These clinics are conducted by a renal specialist with an interest in conservative care supported by RCs and MSWs.

Specialist investigations and treatments provided

Some of the kidney treatments offered through our inpatient wards and outpatient clinics include:

Hemodialysis
Hemodiafiltration
Continuous kidney replacement therapy
Peritoneal dialysis
Dialysis access creation and salvage
Immunosuppressive therapy
Therapeutic plasmapheresis

Conditions We Treat

Diabetic Kidney Disease Glomerulonephritis Hypertension Vasculitis

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Treatments Offered

Peritoneal Dialysis

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FAQs

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Your kidneys filter your blood and produce urine. Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys undergo irreversible damage. It is a very common condition but if untreated it has the potential to progress to end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplant.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes. Smoking and obesity are other risk factors. There are a number of other causes like genetic diseases, stone disease, inflammatory conditions affecting the kidneys and conditions that block urine flow. In a small minority, no cause can be found even after extensive investigation.

It depends on the type of kidney disease. Certain conditions affecting the kidneys can be effectively treated and kidney disease can be reversed. In those who develop chronic kidney disease due to whatever reason where the damage is permanent, progressive worsening can be avoided/delayed by good control of the risk factors and some dietary and lifestyle modifications. In addition, there has been remarkable progress in terms of advent of newer medication which have the ability to delay the worsening of kidney function.

Not necessarily. There are a number of situations where the kidneys fail temporarily. Till they recover, kidneys may require support in the form of dialysis. But in the setting of worsening of chronic kidney disease leading to end stage kidney disease, if the patient requires dialysis, it is usually permanent unless the individual gets a kidney transplant.

If the kidneys temporarily stop functioning, in addition to dialysis, the underlying condition needs to be treated. The treatment depends on the cause. If the kidney failure is permanent, depending on the age and medical conditions of the individual, treatment options include kidney transplant, dialysis or conservative management. Often elderly people with significant medical problems do not do very well on dialysis. In such individuals, evidence suggests that dialysis may not be very helpful and it may not prolong their life to a significant extent. Such patients, if they choose not to have dialysis, their symptoms will be managed through medications.

Our Care Team

Sengkang General Hospital renal department offers a team of dedicated professionals including kidney specialists, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, RCs and MSWs to manage the whole spectrum of kidney disease in a timely manner. The department is equipped with most advanced and state of the art infrastructure to provide safe and effective care.