Chapter 6: Nephrology and Urology

Chronic kidney disease represents progressive loss of renal function over extended periods, typically defined by glomerular filtration rate thresholds, with common etiologies including metabolic conditions and hypertensive disease, requiring interventions to slow progression and manage complications including potential need for renal replacement therapy. The chapter explores glomerular pathology including inflammatory conditions presenting with urinary abnormalities and nephrotic syndrome characterized by severe proteinuria with associated metabolic derangements. Urinary tract infections are examined across spectrum from lower urinary tract involvement with localized symptoms to upper tract infection with systemic manifestations requiring different therapeutic approaches. Incontinence disorders are classified by mechanism and treated with graduated interventions from behavioral modification to pharmacologic and surgical options. Male reproductive pathology includes both infectious and obstructive prostatic conditions, with benign enlargement causing lower urinary tract symptoms responsive to medical and surgical management. Finally, the chapter addresses malignant neoplasms of the urinary tract system, emphasizing diagnostic approaches including serum markers and tissue confirmation, along with multimodal treatment strategies tailored to disease stage and patient factors.