Nephrology in Italy

Nephrology is a branch of medicine that deals with the kidneys, specifically normal kidney function, the preservation of kidney health, kidney disease, and the treatment of kidney disease. A physician who specializes in the care and treatment of kidney disease is called a nephrologist. 

Some of the most common conditions nephrologist treat are as follows:

• Advanced or chronic kidney disease
• Tubulointerstitial kidney diseases
• Tubular defects
• Glomerular conditions, such as nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis
• Kidney infections
• Kidney vascular conditions
• Kidney neoplasms
• High blood pressure
• Structural or functional abnormalities of the kidney, urine collection system, or bladder
• Vasculitis
• Electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base imbalances or disturbances
• Autoimmune conditions that involve the kidneys

Nephrologists can perform a wide range of tests, procedures, and treatments. These include:

• Blood tests, including serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, and blood urea nitrogen.
• Urine tests, including urinalysis, 24-hour urine test, creatinine clearance, and microalbuminuria.
• Imaging tests of the kidneys, such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or X-rays.
• Dialysis, including placement of the dialysis catheter.
• Kidney biopsy.
• Kidney transplants.

How Long Should I Stay in Italy?

After laboratory tests (blood and urine tests) and imaging tests, you should be able to leave the hospital right away, while with biopsy, you may need to stay overnight. However, you may need to stay in Italy for a few more days to wait for the results. Once the results are ready, your nephrologist will explain them during a follow-up appointment. After kidney transplants, you usually need to stay in the hospital for 5 to 10 days and stay for 7 to 14 more days in Italy. During your stay, ensure to attend all of the scheduled follow-up checkups with your nephrologist. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For laboratory and imaging tests, you should be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately, though your nephrologist may advise you to rest for the remainder of the day. After a biopsy, avoid strenuous activity for 2 to 3 days. Since a kidney transplant is a major surgery, the recovery time until you can return to work and other normal activities may take around 8 weeks.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your nephrologist will give you aftercare instructions that you will need to follow and you will also need to make healthy lifestyle changes to maintain the health of your kidney after treatment. You will need to attend regular checkups to check how well your new kidney is working and also will be taking medication for the rest of your life, including drugs called immunosuppressant’s to help keep your immune system from rejecting and attacking your new kidney.

What's the Success Rate?

As the field of nephrology continues to advance, the outcomes of tests and treatments are constantly improving. This means that patients now have more chances to be diagnosed early and receive successful treatments. The success rate for nephrology procedures is proven to be generally high. For example, 93% of kidney transplants are working at the end of the 1st year. However, every procedure always comes with risks, such as infection, excessive bleeding, and damage to other organs.  

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to seeing a nephrologist if you have kidney problems. If your condition is found to be caused by problems in other organs, your nephrologist may work with or refer you to the relevant specialist.

Nephrology in and around Italy

Italy, a country in south-central Europe, boasts some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes in the world with the greatest collection of art treasures. The mere mention of Italy conjures up images of ancient Roman ruins, leaning tower of Pisa, stunning isles, rolling vineyards, and authentic cuisines. Besides its charming landscape, delicious food, and historical monuments, Italy is a popular spot for foreign patients to receive medical treatments. Its reputation for cutting-edge, high-quality treatment is growing rapidly. Although it is not the cheapest medical tourism destination, it is known for its highly qualified doctors and surgeons, as well as medical facilities that are equipped with the latest medical technology. Cosmetic surgery, hair transplant treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and cancer treatment are among the most popular treatments in the country.

Popular Parts of Italy

Rome, the capital of Italy, is the birthplace of Julius Caesar and is filled with Roman ruins, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Forum. It is also home to Vatican City, the beautiful Sistine Chapel, the romantic Trevi Fountain, and picturesque restaurants filled with great food. Venice, another popular city in the country, is famous for its canals, gondola rides, and St. Mark's Basilica. On the west coast of Italy, visitors can find the Cinque Terre, which consists of five dramatically located hamlets. It is dotted with steep vineyards, mountains, and beautiful beaches. The fashion capital of Italy is Milan, the ancient towns of Pompeii, Naples, and stunning Florence with its Renaissance art are also popular tourist destinations. 

Weather and Climate in Italy

Italy has a variable climate, so different areas can experience different weather. In general, the country has four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Summer has marvelous weather, with sunny days and warm nights. Autumn brings cooler temperatures to the country, while the winter can be chilly or freezing, depending on the area. In spring, the temperatures start to get warmer.

Getting around in Italy

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the main gateway airport in Italy. It connects the country with numerous domestic and international destinations, including London, Beijing, Paris, New York, and Moscow. Many international visitors fly to the Milan Malpensa International Airport as well. Transport in Italy is reasonably priced and efficient. An extensive network of domestic flights is available, making it the quickest and most convenient way to travel around. Trains cover many areas across the country and have frequent departures. There are also high-speed trains connecting major cities. Although buses are slower than trains, they are cheaper and covers areas not served by trains. All major cities have good transport systems, with the bus, metro, and tram networks. In Venice, the vaporetti (small passenger ferries) are the main public transport option. Taxis are widely available and are moderately priced.

Tourist Visas in Italy

Since Italy is part of the Schengen area, nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to visit regardless of their purpose and/or length of stay. Citizens of Canada, Australia, the US, Hong Kong, South Korea, the UAE, and several other countries do not need a visa to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption countries will need to apply for a visa before visiting.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The euro (€) is the official currency of Italy. The exchange rate from €1 is approximately US$1.17.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can be found easily throughout Italy, but make sure to be vigilant when making cash withdrawals in tourist areas since pickpocketing is common. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not expected. However, you can always tip an extra 10% to 15% for exceptional service.
3. Local Language: Italian is the official and most commonly spoken language in Italy. English is not widely spoken, except in larger cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Roman Catholicism makes up around 80% of the population. The other 20% is made up of Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. 
5. Public holidays: Italy mostly celebrates Christian holidays. Some of the most important are Epiphany, Pasquetta, Saints Day, Liberation Day, and Christmas.