Palpating the kidneys

Watch the technique of bimanual palpation of the kidneys.

The kidneys are impalpable in adults, and will very rarely be felt if massively enlarged by conditions such as polycystic kidney disease. One looks for the kidneys by a technique of bimanual palpation: one hand is placed in the renal angle, behind the patient, and used to elevate the abdomen, while the other explores the anterior surface of the abdomen.

AFRIKAANS	TRANSCRIPT	XHOSA
	Thank you. / Dankie. / Enkosi.
	I will now feel for your kidneys. / Ek sal nou u niere voel. / Ngoku ndiza kuva izintso zakho.
	Please try and keep your muscles relaxed. / Ontspan asseblief. / Nceda uyekelele izihlunu zakho.