Dr. Tarun Attri
Managing Director
Dr. Tarun Attri leads the centre as Managing Director with a focus on dignified, evidence-based kidney care. His clinical interests include hemodialysis management, diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive kidney disease, and acute renal failure. He believes that long-term renal care is about consistency — the same trusted team, session after session.
Frequently asked
Questions patients ask.
What does a nephrologist treat?
A nephrologist diagnoses and treats kidney-related conditions including chronic kidney disease, dialysis management, hypertension-related kidney disorders, and diabetic nephropathy.
What is dialysis and why is it needed?
Dialysis is a treatment that does the work of failed or damaged kidneys. It cleans the blood by removing extra water, salts, and waste. Most patients need dialysis when their kidneys can no longer filter blood well on their own — usually in advanced kidney disease.
When should I see a kidney specialist?
Consider a referral if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, persistent protein in urine, or a family history of kidney disease.
How often will I need dialysis?
Most patients on maintenance dialysis come in three times a week, and each session lasts about 4 hours. The exact schedule depends on your kidney function, body weight, and overall health. Your nephrologist sets a plan based on regular blood tests.
Is dialysis painful?
Dialysis itself is not painful. You may feel a small pinch when the needles go in for vascular access, but the treatment itself feels like resting. Many patients read, watch TV, or sleep during the session.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
CKD means your kidneys have been losing function slowly over months or years. It often has no symptoms in the early stages. The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. Catching it early through simple blood and urine tests can slow it down significantly.
Can chronic kidney disease be cured?
CKD usually cannot be reversed completely, but it can be controlled. With the right treatment plan — medicines, diet, blood pressure and sugar control — many patients live full lives without ever needing dialysis. Early-stage CKD especially responds well to lifestyle changes.
How does diabetes affect my kidneys?
Long-term high blood sugar slowly damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. This is called diabetic nephropathy. Good sugar control, regular kidney check-ups, and certain protective medicines can prevent or slow this damage. Every diabetic should test kidney function at least once a year.
What is vascular access for dialysis?
Vascular access is the entry point on your body where blood is drawn out and returned during dialysis. The safest and longest-lasting type is an AV fistula — a small connection made in your arm by a surgeon. A good access can last for years and is the foundation of smooth dialysis.
How long does one dialysis session take?
Most maintenance hemodialysis sessions take about 4 hours. Adding setup, check-in, and post-treatment monitoring, plan for around 5 hours at the centre per visit. Sessions are scheduled so you can balance treatment with work and family life.
What foods should I avoid on dialysis?
We usually advise limiting salty foods, high-potassium items (bananas, oranges, coconut water), high-phosphorus foods (dairy, dark colas, processed cheese), and watching fluid intake. A personalized renal diet plan from your nephrologist or dietician is best — every patient is different.
Can I travel while on dialysis?
Yes. Many of our patients travel for work or family events. We help arrange visiting dialysis at a centre near your destination. With a week or two of planning, dialysis does not stop you from living an active life.
People also ask
Other questions frequently searched.
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
Through a blood test (creatinine, eGFR) combined with a urine test for protein, and sometimes an ultrasound of the kidneys.
What are the early signs of kidney problems?
Common early signs include swelling in the ankles or face, foamy urine, fatigue, frequent night urination, and rising blood pressure. Many people have no symptoms at all in early stages — which is why a yearly blood and urine test matters, especially if you have diabetes or hypertension.
What is a normal creatinine level?
For adult men, normal serum creatinine is usually about 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL. For women, it is around 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL. But creatinine alone does not tell the full story — your nephrologist also looks at eGFR, urine tests, and your overall health to judge kidney function correctly.
Can I live a normal life on dialysis?
Yes — with planning. Most patients on regular dialysis continue working, traveling, and enjoying family life. Sticking to your dialysis schedule, eating right, controlling blood pressure, and taking medicines on time makes a huge difference to how you feel day-to-day.
Does drinking more water improve kidney function?
Drinking adequate water supports healthy kidneys, but it does not repair already damaged kidneys. In late-stage kidney disease, drinking too much water can actually be harmful as the kidneys cannot clear it. Always follow your doctor's guidance on daily fluid intake.
Are kidney stones a sign of kidney failure?
Not directly. Kidney stones usually cause pain and infection but do not always damage kidney function. However, repeated stones or stones that block urine flow can cause long-term harm. If you have had kidney stones, a yearly kidney check-up is wise.
Is high blood pressure bad for the kidneys?
Yes — uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the top causes of kidney damage worldwide. It silently injures the small filters inside the kidneys over years. Keeping your BP under 130/80 (or as advised by your doctor) is one of the most important things you can do for kidney health.
How often should I get a kidney check-up?
A yearly basic kidney check (serum creatinine plus urine routine) is enough for most healthy adults. If you have diabetes, hypertension, a family history of kidney disease, or are over 60, get it every 6 months. It is a small test that catches big problems early.
Can a damaged kidney heal on its own?
Acute kidney injury — sudden, short-term damage — can sometimes recover fully with timely treatment. Chronic kidney disease is usually permanent, though it can often be slowed or stabilized. Either way, early diagnosis decides the outcome.
What is eGFR and why is it important?
eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) is a number that shows how well your kidneys are filtering. It is calculated from your creatinine, age, and gender. Above 90 is normal; below 60 for three months suggests chronic kidney disease. Your nephrologist uses eGFR to stage and plan treatment.
Will I need dialysis forever once I start?
For most patients on maintenance dialysis, yes — because the underlying kidney damage is permanent. The other option is a kidney transplant, which can replace the need for dialysis. Acute dialysis given for short-term kidney injury is sometimes temporary.
