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Nephrology and Dialysis


The Complex Operative Unit (COU) of Nephrology and Dialysis serves as a specialized center for the management of kidney diseases and extracorporeal purification therapies. The unit is located on the second floor (nephrology inpatient services) and the ground floor (dialysis unit) of the monumental Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza complex.

The unit offers comprehensive care for patients with acute and chronic kidney diseases, including those with isolated, complicated, or complex conditions.

The activities for which the center assumes responsibility for the nephropathic patient, aimed at addressing clinical issues, are as follows:

Renal Biopsy

Renal biopsy, a key procedure for the definitive diagnosis of renal injury, enables the implementation of targeted therapeutic pathways to prevent the progression of nephropathy. This procedure is performed safely with the assistance of ultrasound guidance and also accommodates patients referred from other nephrology centers.

Vascular Access Preparation for Extracorporeal Treatments

The center's extensive experience in vascular access preparation allows for the creation of native and prosthetic arteriovenous fistulas, as well as the placement of tunneled central catheters in the subcutaneous tissue.

The center is particularly recognized for addressing complex and challenging vascular access cases.

Hospital Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis treatments are provided both on a chronic and acute basis. Chronic treatments are available at the main hospital center and at three peripheral units located in Manfredonia, Vieste, and Rodi Garganico.

These treatments utilize advanced purification techniques, supported by state-of-the-art equipment at the centers, which allow for the implementation of alternative purification methods, such as hemodiafiltration.

All centers also host patients from other locations requesting temporary stays for dialysis. Acute treatments for critically ill patients are provided in an inpatient setting, with specialized care involving depurative support (removal of toxic substances) and treatments for septicemia with multi-organ dysfunction (sepsis toxin extraction).

Peripheral Hemodialysis Units in Rodi Garganico and Vieste

The decision to decentralize treatment services in the areas of Vieste and Rodi Garganico is driven by the need to enhance the quality of life for nephropathic patients, alleviating the burden on those who would otherwise have to travel long distances to access hemodialysis centers. This approach also ensures continuity in the care pathway, from conservative management to replacement therapies, both dialysis and biological, by integrating patients into kidney transplant waiting lists at accredited transplant centers

Abdominal Access for Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is an option for patients who, while under the care of the nephrology center, enjoy greater autonomy by performing the dialysis at home following training provided by the nephrology team.

Catheter insertion is performed when clinically indicated and according to the suitability criteria established by the nephrologist, in collaboration with a surgeon specialized in laparoscopic procedures. The procedure is carried out by a dedicated and highly specialized team.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Porphyria

The Nephrology Department (COU) is an accredited center for the study and treatment of Porphyria.

The center follows specific and detailed diagnostic protocols, including hemin infusion, a procedure carried out with strict adherence to clinical guidelines by professionals with expertise in the field.


Head of Operative Unit:
Dr. Filippo Aucella

Operative Unit Contacts

Coordinators: 
Inpatient Unit: 0882 835275
Dialysis Unit: 0882 410291
Secretariats:      
Inpatient Unit: 0882 410432
Dialysis Unit: 0882 410399
Nursing Stations:       
Inpatient Unit: 0882 410293
Dialysis Unit: 0882 410220
Treatment Rooms:   
Inpatient Unit: 0882 410477
Dialysis Unit: 0882 410397

External Dialysis Centers

Rodi Garganico:
Phone 0884 965878
Phone-Fax: 0884 966739
Vieste:
Phone 0884 701808
Phone-Fax: 0884 711238