Ectopic Kidney (Abnormally Located Kidney) Complications

Abnormally located kidney, medically termed ectopic kidney, can occur as a birth defect wherein the kidney is located in an abnormal position. It is estimated that the condition affects 1 in 1, 000 newborns. People with an abnormally located kidney may have no kidney-related complaints. In some, however, the condition may cause urinary complications, such as urine blockage, urinary tract infections or urinary stones.

The kidneys are kidney-bean shaped organs that are located near the middle of the back. It is partially protected by the lower ribs in the back. Each kidney is about the size of a person's clenched fist. The major role of the kidneys is to filter the blood, making sure to remove wastes and excess water. The waste products, water and other substances then comprise the urine, which is eventually excreted out of the body during urination.

Normally, during development of the fetus in the womb, the kidneys start to develop near the bladder in the pelvis. As the kidneys develop, they gradually climb toward their normal location near the middle of the back. Sometimes, however, this process becomes abnormal where one of the kidneys may fail to go upward and remain in the pelvis. In some cases, the kidney may stop in the middle of the climb. Sometimes, one kidney may crossover during the climb, making the kidneys stay on the same side of the body. If this happens, the two kidneys may become fused as they grow together.

Possible Complications of an Abnormally Located Kidney

While many people with ectopic kidney live normal lives and have no apparent symptoms, some may experience some kind of symptoms. Signs of ectopic kidney are usually related to urine-drainage problems due to the kidney being out of normal position. Possible urinary problems that may occur because of the condition may include:

Kidney failure. If urine backs up to the kidneys, the tiny kidney-filtering units (nephrons) can become damaged. However, if only one kidney is affected, the other normal kidney will compensate for the other. Kidney failure does not usually occur with one ectopic kidney. But if the other kidney becomes damaged as well, over time, this may lead to total kidney failure. Keeping the normal remaining kidney healthy is essential to prevent kidney failure from occurring.

Urinary tract infection. When there is abnormal flow of urine in the part of the ectopic kidney, bacteria can have a chance to multiply in the area of the ureter-the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Normally, urine flushes out potential microorganisms not giving them enough time to multiply and cause symptoms. However, ectopic kidney that causes a kink in the ureter can make the passing of urine difficult. As a result, microorganisms can proliferate in the ureter or other areas of the urinary tract, causing infection.

Urinary stones. Urinary stones can develop from substances found in the urine. Because urine stays too long in the urinary tract, substances in the urine like calcium and oxalate may harden to form stones.

As having an ectopic kidney may not cause symptoms, many people discover that they have the condition during a routine medical exam or during a test done for other health problem.

Once an ectopic kidney has been discovered, the person may not need any special medical treatment if no blockage is found. However, the doctor may require the patient to have frequent check-ups so that the condition can be monitored.

Source:

Ectopic Kidney. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC).