P
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 kidney disease and
end-stage renal disease.
proteinuria
(PRO-tee-NOOR-ee-uh):
A condition in which the
urine contains large amounts of protein,
a sign that the kidneys are not
functioning properly.
pyelonephritis
(PY-loh-nef-RY-tis):
An infection of the
kidneys, usually caused by a germ that
has traveled up through the urethra,
bladder, and ureters from
outside the body.
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R
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.
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S
struvite (STROO-vite)
stone:
A type of kidney
stone caused by infection.
T
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. kidney (KID-nee):
One of the two bean-shaped
organs that filter wastes from the blood. The kidneys
are located near the middle of the back. They create
urine, which is delivered to the
bladder through tubes called
ureters.
