Do you have two kidneys fused together? Let's talk about Horseshoe Kidney!

You know that we all have two kidneys, one on each side of our spine? These are like the two filters in our body. Their main job is to clean the blood and remove waste products as urine. However, some people are born with two kidneys that are not separate, but are connected at the bottom, like a horseshoe. That's why we call them "Horseshoe Kidney" in medicine. Don't be scared when you hear this name. This is not as dangerous as you think. But it is very important for you to be aware of this.

Simply put, what is this Horseshoe Kidney?

This is a condition that is present at birth. In medicine, we call these things a "congenital anomaly." Simply put, it is something that happens while the baby is still growing in the womb.

Think of it this way. When a baby is first developing in the womb, the first two kidneys form very low in the abdomen, in the pelvic area. Then, as the baby grows, these two kidneys gradually move up and into their proper places on either side of the spine.

However, something different happens to someone with a Horseshoe Kidney condition. As the two kidneys travel up, their lower ends join together. Like the letter "U". When they join together like this, they can't come up exactly. So the kidney that is joined together is located a little lower than normal, towards the front of the abdomen. This is also called renal fusion .

Is this situation serious? Do I have anything to worry about?

This is the biggest problem that many people have. In fact, most people with Horseshoe Kidney do not experience any serious health problems. Many people with this condition live normal, active lives without any problems.

However, there is one small thing we need to be aware of. People with this condition have a slightly higher risk of developing renal cancer than the general population. Now, don't be alarmed when you hear this. This doesn't mean that everyone will get cancer, it just means that "the risk is slightly higher." That's why it's important to get regular screenings as your doctor recommends. If detected early, kidney cancer is a very curable disease.

This condition is not very common. It affects about 1 in 500 people. It is also slightly more common in men than in women.

Are there other conditions associated with Horseshoe Kidney?

Yes. Sometimes Horseshoe Kidney can occur on its own. However, in some cases, it is seen in conjunction with other genetic or chromosomal conditions. It is good to be aware of this.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Here's the amazing thing. Most people with Horseshoe Kidney never experience any symptoms throughout their lives. Most of the time, the condition is discovered incidentally during a scan for something else.

However, some people may develop symptoms. If they do, the most common symptoms are:

Why is this happening?

Doctors and researchers are still not sure what causes this. It is entirely due to a change in the way genes function while the baby is developing in the womb.

What complications can this cause?

Even if there are no symptoms, having a Horseshoe Kidney puts you at slightly higher risk of developing certain complications.

• The most common complication: This is a condition called ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction . Simply put, it is a blockage at the beginning of the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The shape of the kidney can obstruct the flow of urine. This condition occurs in about one-third (33%) of people with a horseshoe kidney.
• Other complications:
• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR): The backward flow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys.
• Hydronephrosis: Swelling of the kidney due to urine not draining properly.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): The formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys.
• Renovascular hypertension: High blood pressure caused by narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys.
• Kidney cancer: As mentioned earlier, the risk is somewhat higher.

Therefore, if you have Horseshoe Kidney, it is wise to be aware of the symptoms of kidney cancer.

• Blood in the urine
• Feeling an unusual lump or swelling in the abdomen
• Unusual pain coming from the side of the lower back area

If you see something like this, see your doctor immediately.

How to recognize this condition?

As mentioned earlier, this is often discovered by chance. However, if you have symptoms related to your kidneys, your doctor will examine you. In addition, they may also do tests like this.

• Urinalysis: Checks for blood or infection in the urine.
• Blood tests: Tests to see how well the kidneys are working.
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test
• Creatinine clearance test
• Imaging Tests (Scans): These help to accurately determine the shape, position, and function of the kidneys.
• Kidney ultrasound: The most commonly performed, painless test.
• Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG): A special X-ray test to check for urinary reflux (VUR).
• Radionuclide scan: A test to see how well the kidneys are working and how well they are producing urine.
• More detailed tests such as MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging): and CT scan (Computed tomography scan) .

Is treatment necessary? What can be done?

It depends on whether you have symptoms or not.

However, if you have symptoms or complications, they can be treated.

• For urinary tract infections (UTIs): Your doctor will give you antibiotics .
• For kidney stones or blockages: Sometimes, surgery may be needed to remove kidney stones or to make it easier for urine to flow.

Doctors usually do not attempt to surgically separate or remove a horseshoe kidney (nephrectomy) because it is not cancerous, and many people live with it without any problems.

How can I live safely with this condition?

Living with this is not that difficult. However, we need to take a few precautions. Since the Horseshoe Kidney is located further forward in the abdomen than the normal kidney, it is slightly more susceptible to physical injury.

Therefore, be careful about these things:

1. Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet: Keep a bracelet or card that says you have Horseshoe Kidney. In the event of an emergency, it will help the treating doctors and emergency services know about your condition.

2. Avoid contact sports: This is especially important for children. Sports that involve direct contact, such as rugby, football, karate, and boxing, can damage the kidneys.

3. Wear a protective belt: If you (or your child) are involved in a sport or activity that could cause kidney damage, wear a special protective pad that covers the abdomen (kidney guard or kidney shield) .

It's best to stay in regular contact with your doctor and get regular check-ups and scans as he or she recommends.