Division of Nephrology

As social structure is modernized and average span of life is extended, incidences of geriatric diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes have also increased together with the increased renal diseases accompanied with them. Recently, patients of renal diseases accompanied by various complications tend to increase. At the same time, the renal diseased accompanied by other diseases in addition to simple renal diseases seem to show a sudden increase. The Division of Nephrology at Severance Hospital, having started to provide medical services first in Korea in 1967, began to operating a large-scaled hemodialysis room first in Korea in 1977. Also by practicing peritoneal dialysis in 1981, we could open a way in treating patients of end-stage renal disease. After being separated from the 3rd Department of Internal Medicine (cardiology and nephrology) as an independent division of nephrology, our clinic have established the diagnosis and treatment, research, and training system unique for the Division of Nephrology. In order to promote efficient mutual cooperation and development of new treatment techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of renal diseases, we have established the research center for renal diseases in 1994 together with the Department of Pathology (nephrology division), Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Division of Transplantation Surgery. To keep pace with the requirements for continuous development and specialization in the field of nephrology, a new kidney center equipped with advanced medical instruments was established in May of 2005 within new severance hospital to provide better medical services.