Glossary

An operation to remove a kidney. A bilateral nephrectomy is an operation to remove both kidneys.

A general term for inflammation of the kidneys. Also used as an abbreviation for glomerulonephritis (GN). A kidney biopsy is often needed to diagnose the underlying cause.

Small individual unit in the kidney, made up of a glomerulus (filtering unit), blood vessels and tubule (specialist part that reabsorbs water and salts).

An operation to put an artificial tube directly through the skin into the drainage part of a kidney.  It is usually used as a temporary way to relieve an obstruction.

Nephrotic syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms including protein in the urine, low blood protein (albumin), and swelling (oedema). Nephrotic syndrome is caused by disorders that affecting the filtering properties of the kidney glomerulus.

Passing urine during the night (in the toilet)

Bedwetting

A type of x-ray which takes pictures after a dye containing radioactivity is injected, usually into a vein.  Examples in children's kidney medicine include MAG3 and DMSA.