A =prolapsed kidney= is often termed a floating kidney, or movable
kidney, or dislocated kidney. It is of common occurrence, especially
in thin persons. Some authorities state that one woman out of every
four has a floating kidney. It is more common in women than in men, and
among the working class than other classes.
The condition is usually an acquired one, following severe strains from
lifting, falls, injuries, etc. It is claimed by some that a floating
kidney arises from congenitally weakened and relaxed tissues about
the kidney, that is, the tissues that keep the kidney normally at
anchorage. Thus a congenital looseness of the kidney would easily be a
predisposing cause whence mechanical violence, repeated pregnancies,
an enlarged liver, or tight lacing would act as an exciting cause.
Undoubtedly in some instances there is a congenital predisposition,
the peritoneal fold attaching the kidney to the spine being loose and
the capsule of fat retaining the kidney being scanty, but osteopathic
experience has amply demonstrated that the tissues anchoring the kidney
may in many case become atonied and relaxed from lower dorsal spinal
lesions. Rarely is a case presented to an osteopath that does not
exhibit two apparently characteristic causative features, viz: spinal
irregularity in the lower dorsal spine, and constriction of the zone
about the waist, i. e., dropping and constricting of the floating ribs.
Furthermore, correction of these lesions will almost invariably lessen
the mobility of the palpable kidney.
The =symptoms= of a floating kidney are many and variable. The kidney
may be slightly movable or it may be so loose that one can easily
grasp it through the walls of the abdomen. Most of the symptoms are
of a nervous reflex nature. Indigestion, which is likely to be very
persistent, flatulency, heart palpitation, painful menstruation,
irritable bladder, etc., are the most common symptoms. Still, blueness,
depression and morbidness are frequently present. The most distressing
direct disturbance is the feeling of weight in the abdomen, especially
on standing, running or lifting. Sometimes the ureter becomes twisted
and severe pain, colic and even collapse occurs. (Dietl’s crisis.)
The =diagnosis= of a dislocated kidney is not a particularly difficult
matter. A little experience coupled with a delicate sense of touch
will usually readily detect abnormal mobility of the kidney. A point
to always remember is that the kidney normally descends about one-half
an inch with each inspiration. Care should be taken not to mistake a
floating kidney for a movable spleen, although this is not likely, as
the shape of the spleen is different.
The =treatment= of a movable kidney under osteopathic measures is
usually successful. In the first place a number of cases require but
little attention, simply toning up the general health, and especially
directing attention to the abdominal walls and organs. There are a
number of cases where the kidney prolapse is incidental to general
abdominal laxness and weakness. In more severe cases, treating the
spine, raising the floating ribs, carefully manipulating over the
abdomen, keeping the bowels open, and lessening liver congestion should
it arise, will suffice; in fact, will remedy a good percentage of the
cases. With others, a well fitting, medium width, elastic bandage with
pad underneath will be beneficial. In these cases the patient should be
taught how to treat the abdominal organs, to manipulate the abdominal
walls, and to replace the prolapsed kidney; particularly after going
to bed this can be done successfully by the patient and will prove a
decided help in obstinate cases.
=Surgical measures= for fixing the kidney should seldom be resorted
to. If the patient will live a careful life, avoid unduly straining
himself, keep the bowels normal, and have the anatomical lesions
corrected, he will come very near being entirely relieved, if not
absolutely. Surgical measures are not always a success. Surgeons are
not operating for this disorder so often as in past years. (See Movable
Kidney—Diseases of the Kidney.)