A birth defect, an ectopic kidney is an abnormally positioned kidney. There may be kidney or urinary problems, or the person may have no difficulties at all. It seems to happen in one out of a thousand births.
Symptoms of Ectopic Kidney
There may be no symptoms at all of this condition. It may only be seen during imaging or other tests done for another condition. Some people feel an abdominal lump or have urination problems or abdominal pain.
Ectopic Kidney Diagnosis
There are imaging tests that can help a doctor diagnose an ectopic kidney. Such imaging tests include an ultrasound, x-ray, MRT, CT scan, or nuclear scan. There can be blood work done. Blood work can let the doctor know that there is something damaging the kidneys.
Treatment for Ectopic Kidney
If there are no blockages or urinary function problems, no treatment is typically needed for this condition. However if there is a blockage, surgery may correct the kidney’s position allowing for urine flow improvement. There may be extensive kidney damage where there will need to be a kidney removal or kidney transplant. Determining the extent of the problem from the ectopic kidney can help the doctor know the best treatment options for the individual.
Ectopic kidneys are present at birth and can remain in the person until death if there are no symptoms or problems presented. Having an ectopic kidney doesn’t not up the risk factors for cancers or tumors, and there are no conditions that may be the result of it. However, it can be in such a bad position that it affects the comfort level and the ability to pass urine, in which case it will need to be corrected. Any urination problems should be checked out quickly, as that is the body’s way of passing out toxins and waste from the body.
Source: National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse