Kidney Health

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from your body. So when kidney functionality decreases, harmful amounts of fluid and waste can build up in your body. In most cases, you can prevent or manage kidney issues by making healthy, kidney-conscious decisions.

Hometown Health Blog

Preventing kidney stones before they form

Kidney stones are small, hard formations that can cause big trouble. Learn the types and how they form, plus how lifestyle changes and medications can lower your risk.

Spencer Bershow, M.D. By Spencer Bershow October 3, 2023

Preserving kidney function with robotic surgery

A common treatment for kidney cancer is to surgically remove the mass. Learn how robotic surgery can remove kidney cancer with less pain and faster recovery while preserving kidney function.

Scott Pate MD By Scott Pate March 25, 2022

Kidney stones: Tiny and painful, but treatable

The excruciating pain caused by a kidney stone can occur suddenly. Learn about how they form, personal risk factors and treatment options.

Dana Rademacher MD By Dana Rademacher March 11, 2021

Kidney stone derails Carollyn Gehrke's holiday break

Carollyn Gehrke got more than relief from kidney stone pain after driving hours to Mayo Clinic Health System for treatment. Find out what she left with.

December 17, 2020

Why Jim Benjamin is grateful for popcorn

Jim found a reason to be grateful in each step of his unexpected path to Mayo Clinic Health System and a better option to recover from kidney cancer surgery. And at the top of his list is popcorn.

December 10, 2020

Patient reflects on surgical experience during pandemic

Diane Baier needed a last-minute surgical procedure before a planned trip, but then the COVID-19 pandemic changed how health care was delivered. Learn how changes the surgical team made kept her and others safe.

June 2, 2020

Quick recovery from kidney cancer with ablation therapy

Carol Adams is only half joking when she says she’s had worse root canals than the treatment she underwent recently to kill a cancerous mass on her kidney.

October 10, 2019

5 nutrition tips for chronic kidney disease

A healthy diet is essential for everyone, but it's vital for people who have chronic kidney disease. Learn about the five things you need to watch for in your diet.

Kristi Wempen RDN By Kristi Wempen October 3, 2019

Sepsis diagnosis prompts quick action to save woman’s life

The graduation party for Susan Kohnke’s son was memorable, but not in the way she wanted. Instead of reflecting on day celebrating school successes, she remembers it being the day she developed symptoms of a severe condition that nearly claimed her life.

August 2, 2019

A perfect match: Wife donates kidney to husband of 43 years

When Ed and Darlene Waters got married 43 years ago, it seemed they were a perfect match. It was only recently, though, that the couple learned just how true that really was.

August 31, 2018

After nine years on waiting list, Barron woman receives new kidney

A long wait was finally over for a Barron woman when she received word that a donor had come forward that was a match. It was a Christmas gift nine years in the making.

February 12, 2016

Dialysis is ... fun?

A gift of a t-shirt has lifted the spirits of one dialysis patient — who now inspires others.

July 24, 2015