Accessory Kidney Below the Main One: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is an Accessory Kidney Below the Main One?

An accessory kidney, also known as a renal duplication or supernumerary kidney, is a rare congenital condition where an additional kidney develops below the main kidney. This accessory kidney may be smaller in size and function differently from the main kidney.

Causes of Accessory Kidney Below the Main One

• Congenital Condition. The accessory kidney typically develops during fetal development due to abnormalities in the formation of the kidneys.
• Genetics. Some genetic factors may increase the likelihood of developing accessory kidneys, though the exact causes are not fully understood.

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic, but symptoms may include abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, or difficulty with urination if the accessory kidney is obstructed.
• In some cases, the accessory kidney may cause kidney stones or other complications if it is not functioning properly.

Treatment

• If the accessory kidney is asymptomatic and does not cause any complications, no treatment may be necessary.
• If the accessory kidney causes pain, infection, or other issues, surgery may be required to remove or drain the kidney.
• Regular monitoring and imaging, such as ultrasound or CT scans, may be used to assess kidney function and detect any problems.