The two kidneys are palpated separately. It might be easier to palpate both the kidneys by standing on the right of the patient (in right-handed doctor)

• You can sit down if needed for your hands to be at the level with abdomen
• Now place your right hand over the exposed anterior abdomen at the right lumbar quadrant
• Place your left hand on their back at the corresponding region
• Gently press the right hand hoping to move the kidney to hit your left hand at the back
• Now press the left hand to feel it in your right palm.
• This is the ballottement test
• You can also feel the left kidney from the left side of the patient.

Causes of palpable kidneys

Occasionally the kidney may be felt.

Unilateral Causes

• Unilateral hydro nephrosis
• Wilms tumour
• Hypernephroma
• Cyst

Bilateral causes

• Polycystic kidneys
• Bilateral hydro nephrosis
• Amyloidosis

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