pelvis (PELL-vis):
The bowl-shaped bone that supports the spine and holds up the digestive, urinary, and reproductive organs. The legs connect to the body at the pelvis.
percutaneous (PER-kyoo-TAY-nee-us) nephrolithotomy (NEF-roh-lih-THAH-tuh-mee):
A method for removing kidney stones via keyhole surgery through the back.
peritoneal dialysis:
See dialysis.
polycystic (PAHL-ee-SIS-tik) kidney disease (PKD):
An inherited disorder characterized by many grape-like clusters of fluid-filled cysts that make both kidneys larger over time. These cysts take over and destroy working kidney tissue. PKD may cause chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease.
proteinuria (PRO-tee-NOOR-ee-uh):
The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly.
pyelonephritis (PY-loh-nef-RY-tis):
An infection of the kidney(s), usually caused by a germ that has traveled up through the urethra, bladder, and ureter(s) from outside the body.
renal (REE-nul):
Of the kidneys. A renal disease is a disease of the kidneys. Renal failure means the kidneys have stopped working properly.
renal agenesis (ay-JEN-eh-sis):
The absence or severe malformation of one or both kidneys.
renal cell carcinoma (KAR-sih-NOH-mah):
A type of kidney cancer.
renal cysts (SISTS):
Abnormal fluid-filled sacs in the kidney that range in size from microscopic to much larger. Many simple cysts are harmless, while other types can seriously damage the kidneys.
renal osteodystrophy (AH-stee-oh-DIS-truh-fee):
Weak bones caused by poorly working kidneys. Renal osteodystrophy is a common problem for people on dialysis who have high phosphate levels or insufficient vitamin D supplementation.
renal pelvis (PELL-vis):
The basin into which the urine formed by the kidneys is excreted before it travels to the ureters and bladder.
renal tubular (TOOB-yoo-lur) acidosis (ASS-ih-DOH-sis):
A defect in the kidneys that hinders their normal excretion of acids. Failure to excrete acids can lead to weak bones, kidney stones, and poor growth in children.
renal vein thrombosis (throm-BOH-sis):
Blood clots in the vessel that carries blood away from the kidney. This can occur in people with the nephrotic syndrome.
renin (REE-nin):
A hormone made by the kidneys that helps regulate the volume of fluid in the body and blood pressure.
struvite (STROO-vite) stone:
A type of kidney stone caused by infection.
transplant (TRANZ-plant):
Replacement of a diseased organ with a healthy one. A kidney transplant may come from a living donor, usually a relative, or from someone who has just died.
