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Understanding Lithotripsy: A Modern Solution to Kidney Stones

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee, Sr. Consultant Nephrologist Kidney stones —those small, hard deposits of minerals and salts—are a common but often painful problem. While many stones can pass on their own, larger or more problematic stones may require medical intervention. One such intervention is lithotripsy , a groundbreaking procedure that has revolutionized the way we treat kidney stones. As a urologist with years of experience, I frequently recommend lithotripsy to my patients, and here’s why. What is Lithotripsy? Lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves or lasers to break kidney stones into tiny fragments. These fragments can then pass out of the body through urine. The word “lithotripsy” comes from the Greek words lithos (stone) and tripsis (crushing), which is exactly what this procedure does—breaks down stones. Types of Lithotripsy There are a few types of lithotripsy, each suited for different situations: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (...
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How Delhi’s Winter Air Pollution Affects Your Kidney Health

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  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee | Nephrologist & Kidney Health Specialist As winter sets in across Delhi-NCR, many of us prepare for cooler temperatures, festivals, and unfortunately — poor air quality. While most people are aware of how pollution affects the lungs and heart, very few realize the silent impact it can have on your kidneys . Let’s understand how the air we breathe — especially during Delhi’s winter smog — can harm your kidney health, and what you can do to protect yourself.  The Air We Breathe in Winters Delhi’s air quality often dips to "very poor" or "severe" levels during winter months. This is due to a combination of: Low temperatures trapping pollutants close to the ground (temperature inversion) Stubble burning in nearby states Increased use of diesel generators, heaters, and firewood Reduced wind speed and poor dispersion of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) You may not always see the damage, but your internal organs — especially...
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Location: Medanta- The Medicity, CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India
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Understanding Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): When Your Kidneys Suddenly Struggle

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  Understanding Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): When Your Kidneys Suddenly Struggle By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Director – Renal Sciences, Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)? Acute Kidney Injury, or AKI, refers to a sudden and rapid decline in kidney function , which can occur over hours or days. In AKI, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products, balance fluids, and regulate electrolytes — essential functions for life. This condition requires prompt diagnosis and treatment because, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications or even become life-threatening. Why Does AKI Happen? AKI can be broadly categorized into three major types , depending on the underlying cause: 🩸 1. Prerenal AKI: Decreased Blood Flow to the Kidneys This is the most common form and occurs due to reduced blood supply to the kidneys , often without direct kidney damage. Common causes include: Severe dehydration (hypovolemia) Major blood ...
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Location: Medanta- The Medicity, CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India
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Can Drinking Too Much Water Harm Your Kidneys?

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Director Renal Sciences  Medanta Medicity, Gurugram ✅ Water is essential — but is more always better? We’ve all heard that staying hydrated is good for our health. And yes — drinking enough water is crucial for many bodily functions, especially for your kidneys , which work hard to filter waste from your blood. But here's an important question I often get from patients: "Can drinking too much water actually harm your kidneys?" Let’s break it down. 🩺 The Role of Water in Kidney Health Your kidneys rely on water to: Remove waste and toxins through urine Regulate fluid and electrolyte balance Maintain healthy blood pressure In general, staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys function properly and can even help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) . ⚠️ When Water Intake Becomes Too Much While dehydration is harmful, overhydration can also be dangerous — though it’s less common. Drinking excessi...
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Environmental Pollution and Kidney Disease

  Environmental Pollution and Kidney Disease: Protecting the Kidneys from the Outside In By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee, Consultant Nephrologist, Medanta Medicity, Gurugram 🌍 Introduction In recent years, kidney disease has emerged as a major public health challenge—not just due to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, but increasingly due to environmental exposures . What we breathe, drink, and eat is now silently affecting our kidney health. As a nephrologist, I believe it is time we broaden our understanding of kidney protection . Medications and dialysis are no longer enough. We must look outward—to the air, water, and soil—to protect this vital organ. 🌫️ Air Pollution: The Invisible Kidney Risk Among the most alarming findings is the link between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and accelerated kidney function decline . Studies have shown that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to a faster drop in eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), especi...
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Location: Gurugram, Haryana, India
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Is Your Favorite Soft Drink Secretly Harming Your Health?

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Director, Renal Sciences, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram Soft drinks are everywhere—at social gatherings, in vending machines, or as quick refreshers during a long day. They’re tasty, convenient, and seemingly harmless in small quantities. But what if that seemingly innocent beverage is contributing to serious health risks? 🧃 The Hidden Dangers of Soft Drink Consumption Recent research has increasingly linked regular soft drink consumption to a variety of chronic health issues , particularly affecting the kidneys, heart, and metabolic system. Here’s how: 🚨 1. High Blood Pressure Many soft drinks are high in sodium and caffeine, both of which can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels over time. Excess sugar also plays a role, increasing insulin resistance and promoting inflammation in blood vessels. ⚠️ 2. Blood Sugar Spikes Sugary soft drinks contain high levels of refined sugars (often in the form of high-fructose corn syru...
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Can the Diseased Part of the Kidney Be Removed with Robotic Surgery?

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Nephrologist, Max Hospital, Gurugram Introduction A diagnosis involving the kidney can be worrying — whether it’s a tumor, cyst, or part of the kidney that isn’t working well. Many patients ask: "Doctor, does the whole kidney need to be removed?" Thanks to modern advancements, the answer is often no . With the help of robotic surgery , it is now possible to remove only the damaged or diseased part of the kidney , while keeping the rest healthy and functioning. This technique is called a Robotic Partial Nephrectomy , and it is changing the way we treat kidney conditions. 💡 What is Robotic Partial Nephrectomy? A partial nephrectomy is a surgery where only the affected part of the kidney is removed — not the entire organ. When done using robotic technology , it becomes even more precise, safe, and less painful for the patient. This type of surgery is usually used to remove: Small kidney tumors Complex or suspicious cysts ...
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Location: Max Hospital, Sushant Lok Phase I, Sector 43, Gurugram, Haryana 122022, India
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