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Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
Mobile kidney pain provocation ultrasonography before surgery for symptomatic mobile kidney: A prospective study of
Conny Arnerlöv1, Minette Söderström1, Lars Öhberg2
1a Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Surgery , Umeå University Hospital , Umeå , Sweden.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mobile kidney pain provocation ultrasonography together with intravenous pyelography in supine and standing positions and a full medical history can confirm the diagnosis of the clinical condition of symptomatic mobile kidney and aid the selection of patients for surgical treatment.
Materials And Methods:
In a consecutive study, 43 patients with the clinical picture of symptomatic mobile kidney, a positive mobile kidney pain provocation ultrasonography and a renal descent of at least 2 lumbar vertebral heights on intravenous pyelography in the standing position, were operated on with nephropexy. Patients' pain relief after nephropexy was evaluated by clinical follow-up, a questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring.
Results:
Reduction of pain after nephropexy was associated with a significant decrease in VAS scoring from a median of 8 (range 4-10) preoperatively to a median of 0 (range 0-7) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Thirty-four patients (79%) were cured of their pain and seven patients (16%) experienced substantial relief from their pain symptoms. In two patients (5%) the symptoms were unchanged.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that mobile kidney pain provocation ultrasonography and intravenous pyelography in supine and standing positions can verify the diagnosis of symptomatic mobile kidney and aid the selection of patients who will benefit from nephropexy.
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