Departments
Nephrology
About
People first. Every day.
At the German Medical Institute (GMI), the Department of Nephrology is dedicated to placing each patient at the centre of care. Our top priority is the development of an individualised, holistic treatment plan tailored to the unique medical needs and life circumstances of every person we serve—including those undergoing dialysis.
Our mission is to enhance the health, well-being, and overall quality of life of individuals with kidney-related conditions or undergoing dialysis, by setting and upholding the highest standards of nephrological care every single day. Our vision is to provide complication-free dialysis that functions as a true substitute for kidney function—safe, effective, and patient-centered.
To fulfil this mission and realise our vision, we combine state-of-the-art technology with evidence-based medical practices that matter most to our patients. Our approach integrates optimal dialysis treatment with a focus on patient empowerment, autonomy, and quality of life.
We actively collaborate with multiple departments across GMI, including Integrative Medicine (nutrition, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture), Clinical Psychology, Vascular Surgery, Interventional Cardiology, Radiology, and more—ensuring a truly multidisciplinary care model.
Our ultimate goal is to help our patients live the life they desire—comfortably, confidently, and independently.
Every day.
Our core values—compassion, respect, innovation, and excellence—guide us in our daily work and support our unwavering commitment to patient care.
Welcome to the Department of Nephrology at the GMI.
Dr. Giorgos Toulkeridis
The GMI Dialysis Unit
Dialysis Methods Offered at GMI
Dialysis is a life-sustaining process in which an external machine and a specialised filter—commonly referred to as an artificial kidney—are used to cleanse the blood. Vascular access is required to allow blood to enter the dialysis machine, typically through either a central venous catheter or an arteriovenous fistula.
At GMI, we offer the following dialysis modalities:
Hemodialysis (HD):
Blood is circulated through a filter while dialysis fluid flows in the opposite direction (reverse flow). This process effectively removes low molecular weight toxins and waste products from the blood.Hemofiltration (HF):
In this method, a volume of the patient’s plasma is filtered and simultaneously replaced by sterile substitution fluid. It is particularly effective for removing medium molecular weight substances.Online Hemodiafiltration (HDF):
The most advanced and comprehensive dialysis modality, HDF combines the benefits of HD and HF. It simultaneously employs reverse dialysis fluid flow and plasma filtration with replacement, enabling the removal of both small and medium molecular weight toxins—offering superior treatment efficacy.
Equipment
The German Medical Institute (GMI) is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, ensuring the highest standards in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
The Department
Outpatient and Dialysis Services – Department of Nephrology, GMI
The Department of Nephrology at the German Medical Institute (GMI) operates a daily outpatient clinic for the evaluation and management of the full spectrum of nephrological conditions. These include diabetic nephropathy, glomerulopathies, chronic kidney disease, hereditary kidney disorders, systemic diseases with renal involvement, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), and other kidney-related conditions.
The GMI also operates a fully integrated, state-of-the-art dialysis unit that supports the use of all modern and specialised dialysis techniques. From the very first visit, patients are welcomed into a highly advanced facility equipped with cutting-edge technology, experienced clinical staff, and a calm, patient-friendly environment.
Our expert team is committed to delivering top-quality dialysis care. The dialysis unit remains at the forefront of international developments in nephrology, closely following and adopting innovations in dialysis treatment. Every new technique is implemented with an unwavering focus on safety, effectiveness, and overall treatment quality.
The unit is staffed by a team of experienced nephrologists and dedicated nursing professionals. Nephrologists are responsible for medical evaluations, diagnoses, and prescribing treatments such as dialysis and intravenous medications. The nursing staff carry out all medical instructions, monitor patient status throughout each session, connect and disconnect patients to dialysis machines, and document vital signs and machine parameters—ensuring precise, consistent care at every step.
The Department
Outpatient and Dialysis Services – Department of Nephrology, GMI
The Department of Nephrology at the German Medical Institute (GMI) operates a daily outpatient clinic for the evaluation and management of the full spectrum of nephrological conditions. These include diabetic nephropathy, glomerulopathies, chronic kidney disease, hereditary kidney disorders, systemic diseases with renal involvement, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), and other kidney-related conditions.
The GMI also operates a fully integrated, state-of-the-art dialysis unit that supports the use of all modern and specialised dialysis techniques. From the very first visit, patients are welcomed into a highly advanced facility equipped with cutting-edge technology, experienced clinical staff, and a calm, patient-friendly environment.
Our expert team is committed to delivering top-quality dialysis care. The dialysis unit remains at the forefront of international developments in nephrology, closely following and adopting innovations in dialysis treatment. Every new technique is implemented with an unwavering focus on safety, effectiveness, and overall treatment quality.
The unit is staffed by a team of experienced nephrologists and dedicated nursing professionals. Nephrologists are responsible for medical evaluations, diagnoses, and prescribing treatments such as dialysis and intravenous medications. The nursing staff carry out all medical instructions, monitor patient status throughout each session, connect and disconnect patients to dialysis machines, and document vital signs and machine parameters—ensuring precise, consistent care at every step.
FAQs
What is chronic kidnev disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term used to describe kidney damage or reduced kidney function (regardless of cause) that persists for more than 3 months.
Sometimes, CKD leads to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to keep you alive.
What is end-stage renal disease?
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is total and permanent kidney failure. When the kidneys are completely failing, the body retains fluids and harmful waste builds up.
If you have ESRD, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
Is there a cure for CKD or ESRD?
There is no cure for CKD or ESRD. However, there are ways to manage CKD and ESRD that can help those with these diseases live full, productive lives. If you have CKD, it is important to get regular checkups. With early diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to slow the progression of your disease.
What is dialysis?
Simply put, dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood. It is a medical treatment for people with ESRD that does some of the work that healthy kidneys would do, such as:
Removing waste, salt, and excess water from your body.
Adjusting the balance of your body’s fluids.
Helping control your blood pressure.
When should start dialysis?
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) guidelines recommend that you start dialysis when your kidney function drops to 15% or less, and/or if you have severe symptoms caused by your kidney disease, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle cramps or nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will help you decide if dialysis is appropriate for you, based on your symptoms and kidney function tests.
If I start dialysis, how often should I have treatments?
The usual schedule for dialysis treatments is three times a week. The length of your treatment depends on what is prescribed. Usually, treatments last 3-4 hours.
If I am on dialysis and plan to travel, what should I do?
You should make sure you have adequate medication and access to a dialysis unit.
One of our specialists can help you plan and arrange services for all your dialysis needs before your travel, from finding centers to booking a treatment location.
Is there a special diet for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESRD?
What you should eat, and how much, depends on the stage of CKD you have and how well your kidneys are working. Consult with your doctor or our institute’s nutritionist to find out the specific nutritional requirements for your kidney condition.
In general terms, regarding your diet, you will need to:
Reduce protein intake, especially if you have stage 3 or 4 CKD.
Keep salt to a minimum – sodium can have a negative effect on your kidneys and increase your blood pressure.
Watch out for phosphorus too – it’s a mineral found in many foods and helps control your heart rate. When you have CKD, too much phosphorus can build up in your kidneys.
How will dialysis affect my sex life?
You will probably feel very tired and may have feelings of depression. But it is important to know that while dialysis can affect your sex life, it does not end it.
Medical Staff
Contact Details
PHONE
(+357) 25 208 000
WORKING HOURS
Mon - Fri | 08:00 - 16:30
ADDRESS
1, Nikis Avenue,
4108, Agios Athanasios,
Limassol, Cyprus
