Nephropexy

Nephropexy is a surgical procedure that involves the fixation of a floating or mobile kidney, a condition also known as nephroptosis or floating kidney. This procedure is performed to restore the kidney to its normal position in the abdominal cavity.

Indications

Nephropexy is indicated in patients with symptomatic nephroptosis. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, especially after standing for long periods, blood in the urine (hematuria), and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). The procedure is also indicated in patients with hydronephrosis secondary to nephroptosis.

Procedure

The procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the kidney. The kidney is then sutured or fixed to the surrounding tissue or the abdominal wall to prevent it from moving. The incision is then closed with sutures or staples.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, nephropexy carries risks and potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding organs, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also a risk of recurrence of nephroptosis if the sutures or staples used to fix the kidney become loose or break.

Postoperative Care

After the procedure, patients are usually required to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the patient's recovery and to ensure that the kidney remains in its correct position.

See Also

• Nephroptosis
• Hematuria
• Urinary tract infection
• Hydronephrosis