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Ichilov Medical Center
Urology

Treatment of Kidney Dystopia in Israel Using Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques

Kidney dystopia is a pathology manifested by the location of the organ outside anatomical boundaries — in the pelvic cavity, sacral area, thoracic cavity, and some other zones. Treatment of kidney dystopia in Israel is prescribed based on indications and involves the use of the latest medications and minimally invasive surgical methods. The absence of clinical signs and normal well-being is not a reason to refuse necessary regular urological examinations upon detection of this pathology. As practice shows, timely detection of developed complications, development and implementation of an adequate treatment program ensures a favorable prognosis and relief of painful symptoms in approximately 97% of patients.

>90%
of patients choose case manager support during treatment at the clinic
1785
patients received a personal discount on comprehensive diagnostics at the clinic
>30%
of patients received innovative treatment unavailable in domestic clinics

kidney dystopiaConducting a comprehensive examination of the patient on high-precision modern equipment at diagnostic centers in Israel within a few days provides doctors with reliable information necessary for establishing the cause of emerging disorders, assessing the condition and functional activity of internal organs. Furthermore, one of the principles of Israeli medicine is a multidisciplinary approach, where the decision on prescribing a treatment course and selecting methods included in the scheme is made collectively by a commission consisting of a urologist and specialized experts. Patient reviews indicate the effectiveness of therapy, emphasize its reasonable cost, as well as the creation of comfort and a positive atmosphere in medical centers.

Treatment Methods for the Pathology

Among other developmental defects of the kidney, the share of organ dystopia, which is detected in approximately 1 in 900 newborns, accounts for about 2.5%. In most cases, unilateral involvement is observed; however, some patients exhibit bilateral renal dystopia.

The cause of the pathology is a disruption in the kidney formation process during intrauterine development. Initially, these paired organs are formed in the pelvic area, from where they subsequently move to a higher lumbar region, at the level of the last thoracic - upper lumbar vertebrae, and are located on both sides of the spine. Under the influence of toxic chemical compounds, stress experienced by the pregnant woman, alcohol consumption, and smoking, the movement of the kidney is disrupted, leading to dystopia. A number of researchers consider the hereditary factor significant, as this pathology is often diagnosed in the mothers of patients.

The symptoms of the pathology vary depending on its anatomical form. The lumbar form, characterized by slight kidney descent, usually proceeds asymptomatically or with the appearance of mild back pain. The iliac form is distinguished by the development of pain syndrome in the abdominal area, which significantly intensifies in women during menstruation, and difficulties in urination. The ectopic kidney can compress nearby tissues and organs, resulting in painful symptoms. For instance, when compressing a section of the intestine, the patient may experience stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and bloating.

Pelvic dystopia can lead to complications during pregnancy, the development of severe toxicosis, and pain in the appendages and rectum. Compression of the renal vessels causes persistent hypertension even at a young age. In a mislocated kidney, there is a high likelihood of developing pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis.

When a patient is diagnosed with kidney dystopia, surgical interventions in the abdominal cavity and sternum area are performed with great caution, using the most sparing surgical methods. This is due to the high probability of damaging the ectopic kidney during the procedure, followed by meticulous suturing of damaged vessels and kidney structures.

In Israel, the primary role is assigned to conservative therapy of the disease, aimed at alleviating infectious inflammation, breaking down and removing stones formed in cases of urolithiasis, and preventing recurrence. In the case of pyelonephritis, the medication program includes broad-spectrum antibiotics, sulfanilamides, nitrofurans, and agents to normalize renal blood circulation.

Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of urolithiasis, for breaking down and removing stones formed in the organ. The minimally invasive methods used include:

  • extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy — stones are broken up by directed shock waves from outside;
  • percutaneous nephrolithotripsy — fragmentation of kidney stones under the influence of a laser pulse directed to the pathological area via a nephroscope inserted through a small incision in the lumbar region;
  • pyelolithotomy — for removing stones localized in the renal pelvis system, the pelvis is incised during a traditional open surgery;
  • nephrolithotomy — an open surgery is performed to remove the stones.

Since the kidneys are permeated with a large number of small-caliber blood vessels, the surgical method of restoring the organ to its normal anatomical position is among the complex surgical procedures.

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Methods of Diagnosing the Disease

To make an accurate diagnosis, decide on the need for specific therapy, and develop its program, a comprehensive examination of the patient is indicated, which is conducted in Israeli clinics, on average, within three days.



At the initial consultation, to which the patient is referred after registration at the clinic, the leading nephrologist reviews their medical history and the results of previously conducted studies, clarifies the nature and severity of the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Women also undergo a gynecological examination, and in the case of men — a rectal examination, during which pelvic dystopia may be detected. The consultation concludes with the appointment of necessary examinations.


The next day, the types of diagnostic procedures listed in the appointments are performed:

- laboratory tests of urine and blood;

- ultrasound examination (US) of the kidneys;

- excretory urography;

- CT and MRI of the kidneys;

- angiography of the renal blood vessels;

- radioisotope renography (scintigraphy);

- X-ray of the thoracic organs.



The completed research results are submitted for review by a commission consisting of a nephrologist and specialized experts. After studying the data, the doctors collectively establish the final diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

What is the Cost of Treatment for the Disease

The cost of treatment and its accessibility are of considerable interest to medical tourists. It is noted that therapy in Israel allows patients to save about 30% of the funds spent in Western European countries and is approximately 50% cheaper than in the USA.

Advantages of Treatment in Israel

  • High effectiveness of treatment.
  • High level of qualification and experience of doctors.
  • Modern material and technical base.
  • Perfect mastery of modern conservative and surgical techniques.
  • Affordable prices.

The highest level of Israeli medicine allows for successful management of the most severe diseases. By promptly contacting the chosen clinic, you will undergo a treatment course designed by world-class specialists and can forget about the illness.

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