Programs and research

Expert care to help you live better

Our experts are involved with special programs and services at UW Health. These programs focus on the unique needs of people with certain kidney issues. Experts from many backgrounds combine knowledge and experience to produce excellent results for our patients.

High blood pressure (hypertension) can be a cause of kidney disease. It can also be a complication of kidney disease. UW Health’s Advanced Hypertension Program treats people who have early or progressive kidney disease. Our providers work with other specialists to help keep your blood pressure in check.

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Dialysis is a treatment that takes over some of the work of your kidneys. We have an inpatient dialysis unit at University Hospital and serve children through American Family Children’s Hospital. Outpatient dialysis is also offered in the Madison area through Fresenius Kidney Care.

A kidney transplant may be an option for those with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. We’ve done more than 10,000 kidney transplants and have one of the largest programs in the country. Our clinic offers complete care for people who have had transplants.

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Those with lupus might develop a unique type of kidney disease called lupus nephritis. Our kidney specialists work closely with rheumatologists to provide care for this condition.

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Some people have severe, long-term kidney pain. The best treatment can be a kidney autotransplant. This surgery involves taking out the kidney and ureter (the duct that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) that are causing the problem. Surgeons relocate them to a different part of your body. The kidney continues to function and you typically get relief. We care for you through our specialty clinic.

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Conditions and treatments

Exceptional care for kidney disease and related disorders

Your kidneys are best known for removing waste and extra water from your blood to make urine. But they also produce hormones. These hormones have important roles in bone health, blood pressure control and the production of red blood cells.

A complete approach

Our team evaluates, diagnoses and treats all kidney conditions and the medical complications that can result from them.

  • Acute kidney injury and failure

  • Advanced high blood pressure 

  • Anemia related to kidney disease 

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)

  • Bone disease related to kidney disease 

  • Chronic kidney disease 

  • Chronic pyelonephritis 

  • Diabetic nephropathy 

  • End-stage renal disease 

  • Fluid and electrolyte disorders 

  • Glomerular disease 

  • Glomerulonephritis 

  • Hypertensive kidney disease

  • Kidney stones: Adult | Pediatric

  • Lupus nephritis

  • Polycystic kidney disease 

  • Protein in the urine (proteinuria)

Procedures and treatments

  • Cannula placement through the skin using ultrasound guidance 

  • Complete dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) care

  • Continuous renal replacement therapy, including citrate anticoagulation for people who are critically ill

  • Kidney transplantation 

  • Needle biopsy of the kidney through the skin using real-time ultrasound guidance. Watch video

Locations

The care you need from experts you can trust

Our clinics and services operate from these locations:

Meet our team

Meet our kidney care experts

Our kidney care team includes physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. There are some who work with children and some who work with adults. Transplant specialists are also on the team.

Our providers

Patient support and services

Learn more about kidney health

These resources can help you learn more about kidney health and kidney treatments. 

Dialysis

Learn more about the types of dialysis:

Kidney disease

Learn more about specific types of kidney disease:

Kidney stones

Learn more about kidney stones:

Kidney transplant

Learn more about kidney transplant:

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