Ectopic kidney: Associated diseases and treatment

Abstract

Ectopic kidney (or “renal ectopia”) describes a kidney that isn’t located in its usual position. The pelvic kidney is a rare congenital urinary malformation. However, it is the most common type of “ectopic” kidneys. It results from a lack of migration of the metanephros which remains in the pelvic position. It is often smaller than a kidney in the lumbar position, but functional. It can be associated with other malformations (urological, vascular, etc.), or present complications such as urolithiasis, hydronephrosis, urinary infection or even tumor. In that case , Urolithiasis is the most common pathology of the pelvic kidney, it can be a source of serious complications. Its discovery requires an etiological investigation in search of a hereditary, metabolic or even infectious disease. In practice, renal pelvic ectopia poses various diagnostic problems; the close relationships of ectopic kidneys with neighboring organs explain the borrowed semiology and diagnostic errors. Alongside medical care, urological care is essential. The choice of treatment in pelvic kidney pathology depends on the pathology in question, its clinical and biological repercussions, as well as the patient's condition and its comorbidities. The use of open surgery and/or laparoscopy in cases of lithiasis pelvic kidney must remain exceptional after having eliminated all possibilities of LEC and endourology surgery.