Q63: Other congenital malformations of kidney

Q63.2: Ectopic kidney

There are normally 2 kidneys in the body. There is normally one on each side of the back just below the ribcage.

The kidneys filter blood and create urine. They thus help to detoxify the body. Furthermore, the kidneys regulate blood pressure and the mineral levels in the blood, among other things.

A kidney being in an unusual place does not necessarily cause problems. However, the unusual position of the kidney may make it difficult for urine to drain properly. Urine may then back up into the kidney. This can damage the renal tissue.