Pediatric Nephrology Department
The Department of Pediatric Nephrology at Tel Aviv Medical Clinic is a modern clinic specializing in pediatric nephrology, staffed by highly qualified specialists who provide a full range of medical care to children with both common kidney diseases and very rare pathologies. Diseases often progress without pronounced clinical symptoms; this paired organ can lose up to 90% of its functions without any signs. There, a child typically comes under the attention of a pediatric nephrologist when the disease has already caused significant health damage and has advanced considerably. Even such cases, the complaints are quite nonspecific—children report malaise, weakness, dizziness and headaches, and insomnia.
The pediatric nephrology department at TAMC is equipped with all the necessary modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to provide high-quality medical care according to global standards. The clinic both outpatient and inpatient departments, as well as a diagnostic unit. Therefore, the young patient and their parents can receive all the necessary assistance or medical support in one place.
The main advantages of treatment in the pediatric nephrology department at TAMC:
- The nephrology department is one of the largest medical institutions in Israel that has been diagnosing and treating kidney diseases in children for many years.
- Our clinic use only and safe diagnostic methods. The pediatric nephrology department has its own high-precision laboratory with the latest equipment for laboratory and functional diagnostics of kidney conditions.
- Children requiring inpatient treatment are accommodated in comfortable rooms equipped with all necessary amenities. There is an option for pas to stay in the hospital with their child.
- The nephrology departments has doctors on duty around the clock, ready to provide assistance at any time.
- Assistance from the medical tourism department staff, including translation services.
- Reasonable prices, with payment only procedures performed.
- If necessary, specialists from related fields— urologists, pediatric gynecologists, hemodialysis specialists, transplantologists—are involved in the treatment and diagnostic process.
Departments
Within the nephrology department, several subdivisions and clinics operate simultaneously. This zoning allows for higher quality medical services, as specialists focusing on specific nephrological issues are familiar with all the nuances and have extensive experience managing patients in particular categories.
- Outpatient Department (General Nephrology)– Specialists in this area handle primary diagnosis and treatment of the most common kidney diseases (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, urolithiasis, diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy, chronic renal failure, etc.). If a patient requires inpatient treatment, spec therapy, or surgery, the specialist refers them to the appropriate doctor.
- Kidney Biopsy Center – Specialists in this unit perform the crucial procedure of kidney biopsy. In some cases, it is impossible to establish the correct diagnosis without a puncture biopsy. Tissue samples are subsequently sent to the best pathomorphological laboratories in Israel. Thanks to this diagnostic method, we are confident in the diagnosis and the adequacy of the medical care provided.
- Renal Replacement Therapy Clinic (Hemodialysis) – He patients requiring emergency or chronic dialysis receive all necessary assistance.
- Oncological Nephrology – Specialists in this field focus on benign and malignant kidney diseases. For example, Wilms’ tumor (nephroblastoma) is one of the most common malignant diseases in childhood.
- Center for Treating Children with Urolithiasis – Nephrologists, in collaboration with urologists from the department, develop treatment programs for children with kidney stones.
Which diseases does the pediatric nephrology department treat?
- Hydronephrosis in children
- Consultation on kidney defects at the embryonic stage
- Congenital kidney diseases in children
- Renal failure in children
- Anomalies the development of kidneys and ureters in children
Diagnostic methods in pediatric nephrology
During the initial examination, a TAMC pediatric nephrologist conducts a basic assessment of the patient. The examination pays special attention to the child’s general condition, consciousness, posture, physical development, speech functions, facial expressions, and gait. The specialist then systematizes complaints, analyzes life and disease history data, and develops a further examination plan.
Laboratory tests and instrumental research methods play a significant role in diagnosing kidney diseases.
To analyze the state of the urinary system, the pediatric nephrologist prescribes laboratory diagnostics. Blood is taken from children for general and biochemical analysis; a general urine test, bacteriological urine culture, analysis of urea and creatinine levels, and determination of glomerular filtration rate are conducted. In certain cases, the doctor may prescribe a kidney biopsy.
Percutaneous puncture kidney biopsy is a highly informative but invasive procedure that allows for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It can be considered the “gold standard” in nephrology diagnostics. The biopsy is performed under the guidance of a modern ultrasound machine. The procedure may be prescribed in several cases:
- To determine the nature of the process in kidney tissues during chronic damage (specific subtype of glomerulonephritis, kidney amyloidosis, diabetic or hypertensive nephropathy, other changes).
- To diagnose a malignant process in the kidneys when suspected.
- To assess the condition of a kidney transplant after transplantation and timely diagnose rejection.
The puncture biopsy procedure at TAMC is conducted as safely and painlessly as possible. Anesthesia is always administered to the child. The puncture itself (insertion of the biopsy needle) is performed under visual control using an ultrasound machine.
Genetic Diagnostics in Hereditary Kidney Diseases
An important stage in diagnosing hereditary kidney diseases is genetic testing. Molecular genetic studies allow confirmation of polycystic kidney disease and determining its type, which influences the treatment strategy and prognosis.
Modern Treatment Methods in Pediatric Nephrology
The specialists at the Pediatric Nephrology Department of TAMC utilize a wide range of treatment methods, including:
- Conservative treatment
- Surgical interventions
- Hemodialysis
- Kidney transplantation
Conservative Therapy
Conservative therapy can be medication-based or non-medication-based. TAMC nephrologists use only clinically proven drugs from leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. This ensures both effectiveness and safety. A distinctive feature of the department is the rapid implementation of the latest pharmaceutical innovations. As soon as a new drug is approved by regulatory authorities, it becomes available to TAMC patients.
Additionally, the department actively participates in clinical trials of new drugs for nephrological diseases. Patients may take part in these trials, offering them a real and sometimes the only chance for a longer, healthier life.
Surgical Treatment in Nephrology
Surgical interventions in nephrology are rare, as most cases requiring surgery fall under urology. Therefore, pediatric urologists at TAMC perform necessary surgeries for conditions such as:
- Urolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary system
- Kidney tumors
Minimally invasive and robotic surgery is preferred. These advanced surgical techniques use small incisions and specialized instruments, allowing laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures. Benefits for children include:
- Minimal pain
- Shorter recovery period
- Faster return to daily activities
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is necessary in acute or end-stage chronic kidney failure. The patient is connected to an artificial kidney machine, which filters the blood when the kidneys are no longer functioning.
- Duration: 6-8 hours per session
- Frequency: 2 to 5 times per week, depending on individual needs
At TAMC, modern and safe dialysis equipment is used, ensuring effective blood purification and continuous monitoring of the child’s condition during the procedure.
- Dialysis unit features:
- Special transformer chairs for comfort
- Personalized nurse supervision
- Availability of hot drinks and snacks
For patients requiring long-term dialysis, TAMC specialists can implant vascular access grafts developed by Xeltis, a Swiss-Dutch medical equipment company. These grafts reduce risks such as infection, thrombosis, and vascular failure, significantly prolonging the lives of dialysis-dependent patients.
Kidney Transplantation in Israel
Kidney transplantation at TAMC is performed only from related donors, ensuring compatibility. Preparation, surgery, and early rehabilitation take place at the TAMC Transplant Center.
- Success rate: Over 90% of transplanted kidneys function effectively, eliminating the need for frequent dialysis (3-5 times per week).
Fetal Medicine – Prenatal Urological Treatment
TAMC has a specialized clinic for fetal urinary tract obstruction treatment. Experts in fetal medicine diagnose, monitor, and correct urinary system abnormalities before birth.
If prenatal ultrasound detects pyelectasis (kidney dilation in the fetus), further monitoring is essential. This condition can indicate severe urinary tract obstruction, which may:
- Threaten the life of the fetus before birth
- Cause severe kidney failure after birth
- Lead to immediate need for kidney transplantation in early infancy
To prevent these complications, TAMC specialists perform unique fetal kidney surgeries.
Two prenatal surgical approaches:
- Fetal cystoscopy and urethral stenosis correction
- This is an endoscopic fetal surgery, where a miniature cystoscope is inserted into the fetal urethra to correct narrowing.
- Amniotic bladder drainage
- A surgical tube is implanted to connect the fetal bladder to the amniotic sac, allowing urine to bypass the obstruction.
- After birth, pediatric urologists perform final corrective surgery.
These are highly complex surgeries, and very few global centers offer such treatment. TAMC specialists provide comprehensive prenatal monitoring and surgical correction for urinary system defects.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation for Pediatric Hypertension
If a child has severe renal hypertension that cannot be controlled with approved medications, renal denervation (RDN) may be performed.
Procedure details:
- Minimally invasive – performed under fluoroscopic guidance
- A catheter is inserted via the femoral artery to access the renal arteries
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to disrupt nerve fibers controlling blood pressure
Outcome:
- Stabilizes blood pressure at a safe level
- Reduces long-term cardiovascular risks
Percutaneous Cyst Puncture for Polycystic Kidney Disease
In cases of large kidney cysts (>5-6 cm), nephrologists recommend minimally invasive cyst puncture to prevent complications such as:
- Compression of nearby organs
- Kidney parenchyma damage
- Cyst rupture or infection
Procedure:
- A fine needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance
- Fluid is drained from the cyst
- A sclerosing agent is injected to prevent recurrence
Conclusion
If your child has been diagnosed with a serious kidney disease or if you suspect one, do not delay seeking professional help. Contact TAMC’s Pediatric Nephrology Department for expert consultation and treatment.