Kidney doctors in Derry, New Hampshire

Kidneys play an essential role in removing bodily wastes, balancing chemicals, controlling blood pressure and keeping bones healthy. The nephrologists, or kidney specialists, at Parkland Medical Center, treat a variety of kidney problems in children and adults.

For questions about our kidney health services, call our Consult-A-Nurse® team, available 24/7, at (877) 642-2362.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard, calcium-based deposits that form in the kidneys. Most people don't realize they have kidney stones until they pass one or pass pieces of one through the urine, which can cause lots of pain.

Some signs of a kidney stone include:

  • Blood in urine
  • Fever
  • Intense back and/or abdominal pain
  • Shaking chills

Kidney stone diagnosis

Nephrologists may use imaging scans, such as an ultrasound or X-ray, to diagnose kidney stones. If you've experienced multiple kidney stones, your urologist may recommend additional tests to fully assess your unique situation.

We can also analyze components of your blood and urine to identify and treat abnormalities before they lead to kidney stones or more serious complications.

Kidney stone treatment

Your doctor may collaborate with a urologic care specialist and your primary care physician to develop a personal treatment plan for kidney stones. Treatment plans often include:

  • Drinking more fluids
  • Avoiding certain foods
  • Taking medications that can dissolve kidney stones
  • Taking medications that speed the passing of kidney stones

With a large stone that’s creating a blockage, your physician can prescribe pain medications. For serious cases, such as a urinary blockage accompanied by a urinary infection, immediate medical care may be necessary.

Minimally invasive options to treat kidney stones include:

  • Shock wave lithotripsy: Typically an outpatient procedure requiring no incision and only a mild anesthetic, your nephrologist will use sound waves to break the stone into small pieces that you can easily pass through urination.
  • Ureteroscopy: In this no-incision procedure performed with general anesthesia, your kidney doctor will use a fiber-optic laser to fragment the stone.
  • Stent: Your kidney doctor will place a long, flexible tube into the ureter to temporarily dislodge the blockage. A stent relieves pain, supports drainage and allows urine to flow.

Risk factors for kidney stones

Kidney stones are more likely to develop in people who:

  • Don’t drink enough fluids
  • Take too much or too little calcium
  • Eat foods with high levels of animal protein
  • Have medical conditions, such as hyperactive thyroid, gout or Crohn’s disease, or intestinal problems that cause excessive diarrhea
  • Have had gastric bypass or a banding-type of bariatric surgery

Chronic kidney disease

In a patient with chronic kidney disease, the kidneys do not filter blood correctly. Most of these cases are caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, but infections, inherited diseases and injuries can also lead to kidney disease. For treatment, nephrologists often prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and control blood glucose levels.

Surgery is sometimes required for kidney disease or renal cancer. In these cases, we offer minimally invasive surgical procedures, including robotic-assisted surgery.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, which occurs when the kidneys stop working. Treatment options include:

  • Dialysis
  • Kidney removal
  • Kidney transplant

Comprehensive kidney care

Your kidney care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan, prevent other complications and improve your short- and long-term health. We can thoroughly analyze your kidney function and identify the lifestyle factors that could lead to problems. We can then recommend steps like the following to improve your overall kidney health:

  • Eat low-sodium foods
  • Keep your blood pressure under control
  • Keep your blood sugar under control
  • If you’re diabetic, keep your blood sucrose in the target range

Your treatment plan may also include ongoing, collaborative work in the following areas: