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Renal Medicine

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 personalized 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

Renal patients are cared for in various wards, in addition to the two dedicated renal wards. The department features a modern, purpose-built Renal Dialysis Center (RDC) with 17 stations, providing haemodialysis support for inpatients. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients receive treatment from specialized nurses at the bedside. The renal specialists oversee the dialysis treatment for all renal inpatients.

Interventional nephrology

The interventional nephrology service is a subspecialty that focuses on vascular access procedures such as angioplasty, thrombolysis, tunneled and non-tunneled dialysis catheter insertions, peritoneal dialysis catheter insertions and kidney biopsies. 

Procedures such as kidney biopsies and temporary non- tunneled dialysis catheter insertions are done under ultrasound guidance by nephrologists in our interventional nephrology suite located next to the dialysis centre. Tunneled dialysis catheter insertions are done at the radiology department. Vascular access salvage procedures such as angioplasties and thrombolysis are supported by interventional radiologists and the vascular surgeons. Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertions are done by vascular surgeons.

Critical care nephrology

Renal specialists supervise the renal 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 intermittent dialysis. Specialised extracorporeal treatment such as therapeutic plasma exchange is also carried out by the renal team.


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 here is on preventing progression to end stage kidney disease. Patients who are at significant risk of progression of their kidney disease are referred to our Renal Coordinator (RC) clinic for education and counselling.

Renal department also offers subspeciality clinics. These include:

  • 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 Coordinator (RC) and Medical Social Workers (MSW). Patients are counselled on the long term options of renal replacement therapy such as kidney transplant, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis 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 peritoneal dialysis training and doubles up as a walk-in clinic for peritoneal dialysis patients with intercurrent problems. Patients accepted into the PD programme are managed by a team that includes nephrologists, specialist nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, RCs and MSWs. 
  • Transition care clinics are for newly initiated haemodialysis patients. This clinic also has a multidisciplinary approach. In addition to the medical care by nephrologists with an interest in haemodialysis, 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, conservative care clinic is available which is run by a renal specialist with an interest in conservative care supported by RCs and MSWs. 

Specialist investigations and treatments provided

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

  • Hemodialysis
  • Hemodiafiltration
  • CKRT
  • Peritoneal dialysis
  • Dialysis access creation and salvage
  • Immunosuppressive therapy
  • Therapeutic plasmapheresis
  • Kidney biopsy

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Conditions We Treat


  • Diabetic kidney disease
  • Difficult hypertension
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Vasculitis
  • Interstitial nephritis
  • Adult polycystic kidney disease

 

Treatments Offered


FAQs

What is chronic kidney disease?

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.

Why did I get kidney disease?

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.

Can kidney disease be cured?

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. With these measures, end stage kidney disease can be prevented.

If a person requires dialysis treatment for kidney disease, is it always permanent?

Not necessarily. There are a number of causes for a condition called acute kidney injury where the kidneys stop working temporarily. Once the underlying problem is treated, kidneys often recover. 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.

Is dialysis the only option for kidney failure?

If the kidneys temporarily stop functioning, in addition to dialysis, the underlying condition needs to be treated. The treatment sometimes involves immunosuppressive therapy which can have some side effects. If the kidney failure is permanent, as in progression of chronic kidney disease to end stage kidney failure, 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 renal specialists, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, RC and MSW 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.

 

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