Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
03:57
Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis
Published on: July 8, 2025
The intrathoracic kidney: should we fix it?
James J Murphy1, Gabriel Altit, Siham Zerhouni
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. jmurphy@cw.bc.ca
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|May 19, 2012
Summary
Intrathoracic kidney is rare in children. Isolated cases without bowel herniation can be safely observed, while those with bowel require surgical repair and nephropexy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Congenital Anomalies
- Surgical Management
Background:
- Intrathoracic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly, with limited pediatric case reports and no long-term follow-up data.
- Management strategies, including operative and nonoperative approaches, have been debated.
- This study reports the largest pediatric series and evaluates nonoperative management efficacy.
Observation:
- Five pediatric cases of intrathoracic kidney were prospectively collected and followed long-term.
- Two patients presented with respiratory distress due to diaphragmatic hernia and underwent repair and nephropexy.
- Three patients had incidental diagnosis of isolated intrathoracic kidney.
Findings:
- Long-term follow-up confirmed normal function and development in all five pediatric patients.
- No late bowel herniation occurred in the nonoperatively managed group.
- Surgical repair and nephropexy were performed for intrathoracic kidney with associated bowel herniation.
Implications:
- Nonoperative management is a safe and effective option for isolated pediatric intrathoracic kidney without bowel herniation.
- Prompt surgical intervention is indicated for intrathoracic kidney associated with bowel in the chest.
- This study provides crucial long-term data supporting conservative management in select pediatric cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:21External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs in the human body that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. They filter out waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living donor...
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
01:12Internal Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are essential organs in the human body, performing a myriad of tasks that maintain homeostasis and overall health.
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
01:45Kidney Structure
The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.