Nephrology Procedures

Our nephrology experts use state-of-the-art technology to perform a variety of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to diagnose and treat acute and chronic kidney conditions.

Kidney Disease Treatment

Your doctor may recommend kidney disease treatments, including:

Plasmapheresis

If your kidney disorder is caused by a problem with your immune system, your doctor may recommend plasmapheresis. This treatment involves using a machine to separate the liquid part of your blood, called plasma, from your blood cells.

If you have an autoimmune disorder, your plasma contains antibodies that mistakenly attack healthy parts of your body. Removing plasma from your blood also removes the harmful antibodies. After separating and removing your plasma, it will be replaced with intravenous fluids or healthy donated plasma.

Dialysis

If your kidney disorder causes your kidneys to stop working properly, your doctor may recommend dialysis. During dialysis, a machine cleans waste from your blood and helps control your blood pressure.

Before you start dialysis, you will need a surgical procedure called dialysis catheter placement. The procedure involves inserting a tube called a catheter into a vein in your arm, neck, chest, or leg to provide access to your bloodstream.

There are two common types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis — Performed using a machine at a dialysis clinic or home three times a week for about four hours.
• Peritoneal dialysis — Performed through a catheter in your abdomen at home.

Kidney transplant

During a kidney transplant, your doctor will remove your diseased kidney and replace it with a healthy kidney from a deceased or living donor. UPMC nephrology experts work with kidney transplantation specialists to provide care before, during, and after your transplant.

Why Choose UPMC for Nephrology Care?

When you choose UPMC for nephrology care, you will receive:

• Access to world-class nephrology expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of kidney diseases using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
• A full range of treatment options — We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that slows the progression of your disease as much as possible and improves your quality of life.
• Multidisciplinary care — If you need advanced kidney treatment, we partner with special dialysis clinics, experts in supportive care, and kidney transplant surgeons.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-04-24.