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Doctors in Somalia discover a patient with four kidneys

Inside a ward at the Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital. (Photo: Türkiye in Somalia)

By Abdirahman Khalif | 19 Apr 2024

The young patient's ordeal began when he fell ill, prompting an examination that ultimately revealed the presence of four kidneys.

A young Somali boy has been discovered to have four kidneys, which doctors say is a rare medical condition.

The discovery was made at the Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, previously known as Digfeer, as the patient waited to undergo surgery to remove painful kidney stones.

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According to Dr. Abdikarin Hussein Mohamed Gabayre, the young boy, whose identity has not been revealed, sought medical attention after feeling discomfort in his left kidney.

Dr. Abdikarin, a specialist in urology and male reproductive surgery, expressed astonishment at the discovery after attending to the patient, whose condition joins a handful of documented cases worldwide.

"The patient who visited the hospital was found to have this condition after an examination, which was surprising because only three people were known worldwide, and he would be the fourth,” Dr. Abdikarin told BBC Somalia.

The discovery

The young patient's ordeal began when he fell ill, prompting an in-depth examination that ultimately revealed the presence of four kidneys.

Dr. Abdikarin, a specialist in urology and male reproductive surgery at the Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital

Further complicating matters, he was also suffering from kidney stones, a condition worsened by factors such as drinking contaminated water and consuming red meat.

Despite his rare condition, the boy's kidneys were healthy and functioning normally.

Interestingly, the two kidneys on his right side operate independently, while the two on his left are partially connected.

This unique configuration makes him more susceptible to kidney stone formation, according to Dr. Gabayre.

"It is not a specific problem for this patient to have four kidneys, but it is easier to develop kidney problems related to stones,” the doctor explained.

Medical experts stated that the quality and functionality of the additional organs are on par with those of individuals with the standard two kidneys.

However, they cautioned that the patient's condition necessitates vigilant monitoring and specialised care, as treatment protocols may differ from those for individuals with typical renal systems.

Moreover, removing any of the boy's kidneys would cause a deficit similar to that of a person with the standard two kidneys, underscoring the delicate balance of his unique physiological makeup.

His medical team further advised the boy's family to address his health needs and to seek specialised care whenever necessary.

In shedding light on this extraordinary case, medical professionals hope to raise awareness about the complexities of renal health and the importance of tailored medical interventions for individuals with rare anatomical variations.