Nephrology in Romania

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 Romania?

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 Romania 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 Romania. 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 Romania

Introduction

Situated at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country of contrasts. From its medieval towns and castles, nature, and wildlife, to its rich cultural heritage and amazing food, this country continues to amaze its visitors. In recent years, Romania has become a flourishing medical tourism destination. Due to its low prices, well-trained medical staff, highly skilled doctors, and amazing medical centers, the country attracts an ever-increasing number of international medical tourists. Dental work is the number one reason medical tourists travel to this country, closely followed by cosmetic surgeries. Most medical tourists come from other European countries, such as the UK, Germany, other Western European countries, and the US.

Popular Cities and Regions in Romania

Almost every city in Romania has its fair share of amazing tourist attractions and skilled specialists. The most popular one is the capital of the country, Bucharest. This dynamic city boasts excellent museums, trendy cafes, and beautiful parks. Tourists usually flock to the Palace of Parliament, the Statue of Emperor Trajan, Cişmigiu Garden, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Besides Bucharest, one of the most popular cities in the country is Brasov which is located in Transylvania; tourists usually come to this city as their base for trips to “Dracula’s castle.” The city is filled with charming medieval streets, great hiking spots, and a beautiful historic center. The second-largest city in Romania, Cluj-Napoca, is also famous for its bohemian cafes, amazing medical centers, and music festivals. 

Transport in Romania

Henri Coandă International Airport is the busiest airport in Romania. It serves flights to various major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Getting around Romania with domestic flights is fast, but can be expensive. The most common way to travel is by bus and maxi taxi (minibus), which reaches even the smallest towns. 

Visas in Romania

While Romania is not yet part of the Schengen Area, the country’s visa policy is based on the Schengen acquis. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including the US and Australia, can visit and stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of other countries will need a visa to enter. Those who already have a Schengen visa may enter the country.

Weather in Romania

Spring from March to May has fairly mild temperatures and pleasant weather. Summer, starting from June to August, is usually dry, sunny and sweltering. Autumn comes in September and ends in November. It brings enjoyable temperatures, but it is also the rainy season in the country. Winter, from December to February, can get quite cold and harsh with frequent snowfall. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The currency is the Romanian leu (RON). 1 USD is approx. 4.7 RON.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found in major cities and smaller towns. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels. Tipping is expected in restaurants, hotels, etc. 
3. Local Language: There are several spoken languages in Romania. However, Romanian is the most spoken language. English is also spoken by around 31% of the population.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Romania is a secular state with no state religion. However, Christianity is the biggest religion. Islam, Paganism, and other religions are also present.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Descent of the Holy Spirit, National Day, and Christmas Day are some of the most celebrated public holidays.