Emergency

Nephrology

When the kidneys begin to lose their function, thorough assessment and reliable support over many years are essential. The Nephrology Department at Zuger Kantonsspital cares for people with acute and chronic kidney disease – from the initial diagnosis right through to renal replacement therapy. At our dialysis centre, we treat both outpatients and inpatients close to their homes within the canton of Zug.

+41 41 399 41 00+41 41 399 41 01nephrologie@zgks.ch

What is nephrology?

Nephrology is the medical speciality that deals with kidney diseases. Our specialist team will assess the extent to which your kidney function is impaired, investigate the causes and discuss the next steps with you. The aim is to preserve your remaining kidney function for as long as possible and to detect any associated conditions at an early stage.

Dialysis centre with 18 treatment stations

When the kidneys can no longer perform their function on their own, renal replacement therapy takes over this role. Our dialysis centre has 18 treatment stations available for haemodialysis. We carry out 7,000–8,000 haemodialysis treatments per year at Zuger Kantonsspital.

The procedure is also available as home haemodialysis in collaboration with an external partner. As a further option, we offer peritoneal dialysis, also known as abdominal dialysis. Following appropriate training, you can also carry this out at home; check-ups take place at Zuger Kantonsspital. We will decide together with you which procedure is best suited to your health situation and your daily life.

Closely interconnected – from vascular surgery to transplantation

Effective renal care relies on collaboration. When creating and maintaining dialysis access sites, we work closely with the vascular and visceral surgery teams, as well as with vascular specialists. If a kidney transplant is being considered, we support the assessment process in collaboration with the transplant centres in Zurich, Bern and Basel, and remain your local point of contact even after the transplant.

Services

  • Outpatient assessment and treatment of kidney diseases in collaboration with GPs and other specialist disciplines
  • Ultrasound scan of the kidneys and urinary tract, including contrast enhancement
  • Phase-contrast microscopy of urine sediment
  • Performing ultrasound-guided kidney biopsies
  • Advice and preparation for the various renal replacement therapies: in-centre haemodialysis, home haemodialysis with an external partner, peritoneal dialysis
  • Haemodialysis treatments, including care for visiting patients (holiday dialysis)

    - Please book your appointment at least 5 weeks in advance
    - Our staff speak German, English, French, Spanish and Italian

  • Evaluation and preparation for kidney transplants in cooperation with the transplant centre
  • Follow-up care of kidney transplant patients
  • Diagnosis of kidney stones and advice on prevention
  • Interdisciplinary Hypertension Clinic
  • 24-hour on-call service for nephrological emergencies, including dialysis

Partnerships

Zurich Transplant Centre

Bern Transplant Centre

Basel Transplant Centre

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a nephrologist do? 

Nephrologists are specialists in kidney diseases. They assess kidney function, investigate the causes of any impairment, treat associated conditions such as high blood pressure, and support patients with renal replacement therapy where necessary.

How many dialysis stations does Zuger Kantonsspital have? 

Our dialysis centre has 18 treatment stations for outpatients and inpatients.

What dialysis treatments does Zuger Kantonsspital offer? 

We offer haemodialysis at the dialysis centre and chronic peritoneal dialysis. The most suitable treatment depends on your medical condition, any underlying conditions and your personal circumstances.

How can you tell if you have kidney disease? 

Kidney disease often progresses without any obvious symptoms at first. Signs may include abnormal kidney function test results, protein in the urine, fluid retention, high blood pressure or persistent tiredness. Your GP will investigate any abnormal test results and refer you to a nephrologist if necessary.

Can I also carry out dialysis at home? 

Both peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis can be carried out at home following thorough training. We will work with you to assess whether this method is medically appropriate and will provide close support during the initial phase. Check-ups will take place at Zuger Kantonsspital.