Nephroptosis or wandering kidney is a pathological condition characterized by abnormal mobility of the organ, resulting in its displacement below anatomical boundaries. This condition is quite common and requires comprehensive timely therapy. Treatment of nephroptosis in Israel is conducted according to a comprehensive scheme, including modern conservative and surgical methods. Israeli nephrologists possess a high level of qualification and vast experience in providing effective assistance for various kidney diseases and urinary system disorders. Nephrology departments in the country's clinics are equipped with the latest therapeutic and diagnostic equipment, allowing for accurate determination of the causes of disturbances, the degree and signs of pathology, and the execution of prescribed procedures.
Nephroptosis or wandering kidney is a pathological condition characterized by abnormal mobility of the organ, resulting in its displacement below anatomical boundaries. This condition is quite common and requires comprehensive timely therapy. Treatment of nephroptosis in Israel is conducted according to a comprehensive scheme, including modern conservative and surgical methods. Israeli nephrologists possess a high level of qualification and vast experience in providing effective assistance for various kidney diseases and urinary system disorders. Nephrology departments in the country's clinics are equipped with the latest therapeutic and diagnostic equipment, allowing for accurate determination of the causes of disturbances, the degree and signs of pathology, and the execution of prescribed procedures.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
In a healthy person, the kidneys shift during breathing movements or physical exertion by no more than the size of one lumbar vertebra. Nephroptosis, diagnosed when the organ descends more than 2-4 centimeters, is an acquired pathological condition that develops as a result of changes in the supporting ligaments of the kidney, weakening of the abdominal wall and lumbar muscles, and reduction of the adipose tissue layer. Factors stimulating the development of the disease include heavy physical exertion, lifting weights, lumbar injuries, rapid weight loss, and multiple pregnancies.
According to the current classification, three degrees of pathology are distinguished:
- Grade I — the lower border of the kidney is lowered more than one and a half lumbar vertebrae;
- Grade II — the lower pole is lowered below the anatomical boundary by two lumbar vertebrae;
- Grade III — the lower border is found three or more lumbar vertebrae below the norm.
The selection of methods included in the treatment program depends on the degree of the disease.
Conservative Therapy
At the initial stage of the disease, when diagnosing a patient with Grade I nephroptosis, conservative treatment is indicated. In many cases, the problem is resolved by wearing an orthopedic corset, a supportive bandage, or a belt. This prevents the kidney from descending and maintains the organ in a stable position. The weakened abdominal and back muscles are strengthened through regular therapeutic exercise. During any physical exercises, it is important to remember the need to limit strength loads. If the disease is caused by significant weight loss, a high-calorie diet is recommended to increase the volume of adipose tissue. Patients are also prescribed a course of therapeutic massage and sanatorium-resort treatment.
In the event of the most common complications, such as cystitis, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, and elevated blood pressure, medication therapy is prescribed. Various types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic drugs, and antihypertensive agents are used.
Surgical Treatment
In cases of nephroptosis progressing to Grade II-III, with the patient exhibiting pronounced symptoms and complications, and in the absence of positive results from conservative treatment, surgical intervention — nephropexy — is indicated. During the operation, the mobile kidney is fixed with a mesh made of synthetic fibers, into which the organ is placed like a hammock. The mesh is attached to the lumbar muscle and supports the kidney in a stable, anatomically correct position, while not hindering its physiological movements. Maintaining normal mobility of the organ is extremely important for the proper functioning of the urinary system.
In Israel, nephropexy is performed laparoscopically using a minimally invasive method. A laparoscope equipped with a camera and microsurgical instruments are introduced through several small incisions. It is noted that laparoscopic interventions are associated with minimal risk of bleeding and other complications, feature a short rehabilitation period, and are well tolerated by patients. After the operation, for a sufficiently long period, the patient is advised to rest in bed, with the foot of the bed elevated, which helps to maintain the kidney in its normal position.
Timely completion of the treatment course often leads to the elimination of painful symptoms and ensures a positive prognosis. At the same time, late consultation with a doctor, diagnosis, and therapy can lead to chronic forms of diseases such as pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis.
How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
The modern equipment presented in diagnostic centers in Israel allows for the detection of even the slightest changes in the normal position of the kidney, determining the characteristics of the pathology necessary for selecting effective treatment methods.
Leading Israeli clinics offer remote video consultations. To do this, it is necessary to submit a request on the medical center's website, send the available examination results and doctors' conclusions to the specified email address. The provided documentation is forwarded to a leading nephrologist, who, after reviewing it, contacts the patient via Skype at a previously agreed time, answers all their questions, and shares their opinion regarding the diagnosis and treatment methods. If the decision is made to undergo further treatment in Israel, the first consultation at the clinic is free.
A comprehensive examination of the patient and the development of a treatment program takes no more than three days in Israel.
During the initial consultation, the nephrologist reviews the patient's medical documentation, clarifies the nature and severity of the symptoms, conducts a physical examination and abdominal palpation, and prescribes the necessary diagnostic procedures.
The examinations listed in the prescriptions are performed:
- Ultrasound of both kidneys — performed in standing and lying positions, this ultrasound examination allows for the determination of changes in the position of the organ, as well as pathological changes in its structure;
- excretory urography — a radiological examination where images are also taken in lying and standing positions;
radiographic studies of the urinary organs;
- angiography of the renal blood vessels;
- CT and MRI;
- detailed urine and blood tests.
The results of the studies are reviewed by a medical council, which includes a nephrologist and specialized specialists. The doctors announce the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
How Much Does Treatment of the Disease Cost
The price of treatment, which interests many medical tourists, is determined after the diagnosis is established and the therapeutic program is developed. When undergoing a treatment course in Israel, the patient can save about 30% of the amount required in Western European countries and approximately 50% of the cost of similar services in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- The qualifications of specialists, many of whom are leading nephrologists in the world.
- Modern medical equipment.
- Minimally invasive surgical treatment.
- Rapid diagnosis.
- Affordable prices.
Timely completion of an adequate therapeutic course ensures recovery and a quick return to normal life. Do not hesitate, contact the clinic and go for treatment.