Bandage for prolapsed kidneys: features of selection and use

More and more people, regardless of age, are faced with the problem of nephroptosis. Bandage for kidney prolapse is one of the widely used methods of conservative treatment of the disease. In the early stages, the disease is difficult to diagnose, although it is the initial stage of the disease that is most easily amenable to therapeutic intervention.

Bandage is a method of conservative correction of abnormally displaced kidneys.

Rules for using the bandage

How to put on a belt correctly? This is one of the most frequently asked questions with which patients turn to their doctor. Important! A kidney belt for prolapsed organs must be put on in the morning, directly in bed, before the person has time to assume a vertical position. All you need to do is take a deep breath and slightly raise your pelvis, and then fix the belt in the lumbar region. The kidney bandage is completely invisible under clothing and is comfortable to wear, since the belt does not hinder movement at all. You can go to work, do gymnastics and lead your usual lifestyle.

What is a bandage

A bandage is a special belt that has a special design and characteristics to support the muscle corset. Allows you to secure internal organs and prevent them from moving when performing everyday activities. In the modern world, the range of bandages is huge. It is quite difficult to decide on the choice of belt model without special training or without the help of a specialist.

6 main functions that the bandage performs for various pathologies:

Maintenance of sutures and organs after surgery.
Elastic bandage against hernia.
Compression belt for better healing and smoothing of scar tissue.
Postpartum bandage.
Bandage for pregnant women, relieves lumbar stress.
Kidney band.

Features of wearing a bandage

Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply put on a belt when the kidneys are drooping and walk around in it for a while. However, this is a fundamentally wrong opinion. Since wearing is intended for a long period of time, the muscles can atrophy and relax. Therefore, it is necessary to combine a bandage for nephroptosis with therapeutic exercises. It is important to know that with nephroptosis, doctors prohibit heavy physical activity, especially when it comes to lifting heavy weights. Also, the set of exercises should not include elements such as jumping and running. Even when doing exercises, you should not make sudden movements. A patient diagnosed with nephroptosis should be attentive to his body.

Main characteristics

There is a special fixation device in the abdominal cavity that holds the kidneys in one place. It can weaken, causing organs to begin to shift. This brings a person pain, inconvenience and limitation in physical activity. Nephroptosis often occurs in pregnant and postpartum women due to the growth of the abdomen and potential damage to the renal support apparatus. Also, older people may suffer from this problem due to age-related changes. Nephroptosis also appears after injuries and is a consequence of more than one kidney disease in both men and women.

The essence of the bandage is that it maintains the peritoneal space and abdomen in a fixed state. Thus, the kidneys and other abdominal organs are in their places, without moving during human movement.

The pharmaceutical market offers a wide selection of bandages. You need to choose the right one - your doctor will help you decide.

Depending on the severity of nephroptosis, there are two types of bandages:

conventional retaining belt for stage I kidney prolapse;
bandage-corset for nephroptosis of the second degree.

A bandage is a wide belt. You can adjust its length using straps or Velcro depending on the product model. It is important to choose the correct size of the bandage and its width so that it does not cause inconvenience. It fits well on the back thanks to the shape of the corset.

Indications for wearing

A belt for kidney prolapse is prescribed at the initial stage of nephroptosis, since its main purpose is to fix the kidneys and maintain the muscular frame. The bandage takes on the functions of not only the abdominal muscles, but also the back muscles.

Therefore, indications for wearing include the following pathologies:

Nephroptosis

Nephroptosis;
Wandering kidney;
Prolapse of several abdominal organs at once (intestines, liver and others).

If an inflammatory process occurs in the kidneys, it is recommended to wear an insulated bandage with a warming effect. Natural wool has warming properties and helps cope with inflammation. Also in winter, an insulated bandage is recommended for anyone who has problems with the kidneys or other abdominal organs and does not want to catch a cold.

Contraindications

Despite the positive effect on the human body and many grateful reviews, the belt is not suitable for everyone. It should not be worn if the skin is damaged:

Operating rules

In order for a therapeutic belt to bring maximum results, you need to wear and care for it correctly. In addition, doctors insist on the need for therapeutic exercises in conjunction with wearing a bandage.

How to wear a bandage

The belt must be put on the patient in the morning, when he has not yet gotten out of bed. The bandage should be fastened while taking a deep breath, since when you inhale, the kidney is in the right place. The belt should not interfere with free breathing, but it should not fall off either. You should also not tighten the belt because of the potential disruption to the urinary organs.

The belt must be removed before going to bed - wearing it around the clock is harmful.

The corset can be worn on a naked body or on clothes (made of thin fabric), but in the first case the bandage will be more beneficial due to a better fit to the body. You don’t have to worry about allergies to the product, since it is made only from hypoallergenic natural raw materials (usually cotton).

Reviews about wearing a belt vary: some claim that it is uncomfortable and makes movement difficult, while others are happy with the purchase and advise buying it. Obviously, the sensation of wearing depends on the individual characteristics of the body, and the corset could simply have been incorrectly selected for a particular person. It is in such cases that specialist advice is required.

Duration of wear

Of course, two months is too short a period. As a rule, the belt is worn for about a year. It is believed that this time is sufficient to undergo other, more effective procedures to fix the kidney. Since the back and abdominal muscles are inactive when wearing a corset, they need to be strengthened with physical therapy.

In what cases is wearing a bandage contraindicated?

When the kidney prolapses, it is contraindicated in cases where there are mechanical damage to the body in the form of abrasions and scratches that are located in the area where the belt is fixed. It is also not recommended to use a renal band if the organ is significantly displaced from the correct anatomical location, specifically the renal bed. In case of severe pain, experts also do not recommend wearing a bandage. In this case, it is better to undergo a comprehensive examination so that the doctor can identify the cause of severe pain and prescribe a different treatment algorithm.

In fairness, it should be noted that there are cases when patients do not comply with all the instructions and recommendations of doctors regarding wearing. As a result, wearing the belt incorrectly does not give the expected results. On the contrary, during the next examination by the doctor, even more aggravated problems are revealed, often leading to surgical intervention.

Today in pharmacies there is a wide selection of models and sizes of belts, so each patient can easily choose a bandage that will correspond to the waist circumference. However, before purchasing a bandage, you must first consult with your doctor.

Nephroptosis and indications for using a bandage

The descent of the kidney below its normal location is called nephroptosis .
In a healthy person, the kidneys are mobile; displacement within 1-2 cm is not a pathology. However, under certain conditions of the anterior abdominal wall, ligamentous apparatus, and perinephric fatty tissue, the kidney may descend significantly and even end up in the pelvis.

The main causes of nephroptosis:

Underweight and sudden weight loss.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Congenital pathology.
Injuries of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space.
Excessively hard physical labor.

The pathology has its own clinical manifestations and functional disorders. At the initial stage, patients are bothered by intermittent lower back pain that intensifies with physical activity.

With the third degree of the disease, complications develop. Due to the bending of the ureter as a result of significant prolapse, stagnation of urine appears, which can lead to pyelonephritis, pyonephrosis, and provoke renal colic.

Severe nephroptosis is subject to surgical treatment . At the initial stage of kidney prolapse, conservative therapy is indicated.

Indications for wearing a bandage are:

Nephroptosis I – II degrees.
Gastroptosis.
Prolapse of the liver and other internal organs.
After surgery on the kidney.

The principle of operation of the renal band: ensures the return of a slightly lowered kidney to the renal bed and its fixation by maintaining the tone of the abdominal muscles and optimal intra-abdominal pressure.

Recommendations for use

In order for the bandage to have a positive effect on drooping kidneys, it is important to follow the rules for its use. Failure to comply with medical recommendations will not only make its use useless, but will also lead to the opposite results - aggravation of the problem, which only surgical intervention can cope with.

When using a support belt, follow these basic rules:

Bandage for prolapsed kidneys is not a panacea, but only one of the methods of conservative treatment. Constantly wearing the product can lead to atrophy of the back and abdominal muscles, which, while feeling supported, are actually inactive. Be sure to remove the belt before going to bed and during the daytime rest.
Regular physical therapy exercises will also help to avoid atrophic changes in muscles. With the help of exercise therapy, you can achieve significant strengthening of the muscle frame and avoid further prolapse of the kidneys.
Put on the bandage immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. The moment you fasten your belt, take a deep breath and lift your pelvis slightly.
Do not tighten the belts too tightly: this will cause poor circulation in the urinary organs.
You need to fix the belt under clothes - on underwear or on your naked body. Most bandages are made of hypoallergenic materials and do not irritate even the most sensitive skin.
Wearing a fixation belt for nephroptosis should be regular and take a long period of time - at least 12 months.

At first glance, it seems that wearing such a belt is completely uncomfortable. However, most manufacturers make it from natural, breathable materials, and patients get used to it within the first week. If you are not sure that you are wearing the brace correctly, consult your doctor. It is advisable that the first 2-3 times the basics of correct fixation of the kidneys be shown to you by a specialist.

Product selection

The need to wear a kidney belt is determined by the attending physician, who will also tell you which model is best suited for a particular patient. Products are made from cotton or knitted fabric. Material with hypoallergenic properties . Should be worn over thin clothing or directly on the body. Considering the possibility of developing an allergic reaction, it is recommended to wear a bandage over underwear.

The design of the product provides the necessary tone of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. There is a large selection of models in the pharmacy market and in special medical equipment stores. There are products in the form of a wide belt and corsets with rigid ribs that better secure the kidney and prevent the fabric from twisting.

Bandages insulated with woolen fabric are ideal for:

Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
Persons exposed, due to their professional or other activities, to hypothermia.

The belt must be the right size for your waist. There are dimensionless options that regulate the volume with special fasteners.

If the kidney prolapses slightly, it is possible to use a wide bandage belt.

Model examples:

K-602 : made of hypoallergenic semi-synthetic material. It is a wide bandage belt with a tightening tape and Velcro fastener. 4 product sizes.
OBO – 21 : moisture-repellent cotton-based fabric with a double tie to regulate compression. 4 sizes.

For grade 2 nephroptosis, a corset-type product with rigid ribs is required.

Model examples:

Trives T-1361 : made of breathable fabric. Equipped with two rigid plastic ribs that prevent the belt from twisting and provide optimal fixation of the internal organs. 5 sizes.
Crate : There are 2 plastic ribs plus a comfortable soft panel on the front. Additionally secured with an anti-slip brake band. 5 sizes.

You can choose a product of any color; flesh-colored is less noticeable on the patient.

When a bandage can cause harm

In some cases, wearing a bandage is not only undesirable, but also dangerous to health. Doctors do not prescribe wearing a kidney belt if:

severe pain syndrome: pain is one of the main signs of destruction of kidney tissue, therefore, if discomfort increases, you should consult a doctor;
development of complications of the disease;
fixation of the kidney in a pathological position (for example, with the formation of adhesions);
injuries, extensive wounds of the back;
dermatological problems: pustular rashes, irritation, dermatitis on the skin of the lower back or abdomen.

According to most nephrologists, a bandage for prolapsed kidneys will not get rid of the problem, but will only help avoid its further progression. For treatment to be as effective as possible, follow a therapeutic diet, exercise daily and visit your doctor regularly. Wearing a specialized corset is just one of the methods that can alleviate the patient’s condition. But in combination with other therapeutic procedures, it allows you to achieve good results and avoid invasive surgery.

Related publications

Exercises for kidney prolapse
Symptoms of kidney disease in women
Modern methods of kidney examination

Why do you need a corset?

It helps to fix the kidney in its natural, anatomical position and does not allow it to move downwards. It is necessary to wear such a fixing object only in case of early nephroptosis, if there are no complications, that is, severe pain and concomitant diseases.

The whole point of the bandage is to maintain the stomach and peritoneal space under a certain tension, thereby preventing the internal organs from relaxing and shifting.

You just have to understand that there are many types of corsets and, although it seems that there should be no difficulties when choosing, this is not entirely true. Before buying a bandage, you should see a doctor, he will help you make the right choice.

Contraindications

This type of conservative treatment, like all others, has its contraindications. This:

pain when wearing;
allergy to the material of the bandage (rare, but it happens);
dermatitis;
pustular infection;
wounds, abrasions, any damage to the skin where the corset adheres to the body;
displacement of the kidney and fixation in the wrong place as a result of tissue fibrosis.

Particular attention should be paid to pain that may occur when putting on or wearing a bandage for a long time. The very fact of their presence clearly indicates that this treatment option is unacceptable for you. You should immediately remove the support belt and consult a doctor to choose another treatment method.

How to choose a bandage

Before purchasing a corrective product, you should definitely consult with your doctor. It is he who will indicate which of the models will be optimal in a particular case, and will also determine the period during which the corset must be worn. The bandage for nephroptosis is usually worn for the whole day.

Now they produce many options for kidney bandage belts: there are different materials, sizes and methods of attaching the product. If kidney displacement or gastroptosis is diagnosed, then experts suggest a belt in the form of a corset with fixation on the back, as it will provide more reliable support.

Fixing bandages can be divided by gender or be universal, but differ in size. When choosing a bandage for correction, it is important to pay attention to its size, since the product must fit perfectly to the patient’s figure. This corset belt supports the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall (which is also important for prolapsed stomach) and eliminates pain in the lumbar area.

Today you can find corrective belts with a warming effect. They are indispensable when an inflammatory process is also associated with prolapse. Such bandages are made using natural wool, and they are worn in winter or cool weather, even if there is no inflammation. A corrective bandage is used for at least a year, but the patient must periodically visit his doctor to check whether the product “works” effectively and how the condition of the kidneys is changing.

Kinds

The bandage is made in the form of a wide belt or in the form of a corset with Velcro fastener on the back or side. It may contain one or more rigid inserts, depending on the manufacturer and the specific model. The models vary in anatomical shape just as human bodies vary. There are both universal and specialized female and male models, designed to accommodate differences in male and female anatomy.

The size chart for support corsets is quite arbitrary. There is a large selection of sizeless models that can fit any figure; some manufacturers also produce custom bandages in small or large sizes. The main thing is the height of the person - the bandage should wrap around his body, starting under the chest and ending above the pelvis, so that the person can bend over freely. That is why the belt must be selected according to your height.

The main difference between such belts is the gradation of “heating and non-heating”. The warmers contain a layer of dog or sheep wool. Non-heating ones, accordingly, are deprived of a warm layer. A warming corset can be prescribed by a doctor only in case of an inflammatory process in the kidney area, and only in the cold season. You should not wear it without a doctor's permission.

As a rule, the inner layer of bandages is made of natural cotton or other hypoallergenic material. The design is based on a durable and flexible elastomer. The supporting function is provided by metal or plastic inserts.

Modern bandages do not retain air and moisture, allowing the skin to breathe freely, so diaper rash does not occur when worn for a long time. The ergonomic shape eliminates the formation of chafing.

Rules for using a corset

Don’t think that after wearing a corset for a month, you are completely healthy. To get real results, it must be used for at least a year and worn throughout the day. If the bandage is made of high quality and from natural materials, then it will not be noticeable under clothes and you will feel comfortable in it. The bandage can be worn both over clothing and on the naked body.

It is extremely important to learn how to put on a corset correctly so as not to further harm your health. Take a horizontal position and, while exhaling deeply, secure the bandage. If you fix the corset while inhaling, it will not be as effective - this is an important nuance. A set of exercises is prescribed by the doctor, but the main exercises for a prolapsed kidney are:

Lying on your back, while inhaling, raise your two legs, and while exhaling, lower them. This exercise is repeated 8-10 times.
While lying on your back, raise your legs, while inhaling, spread them apart, and while exhaling, bring them together. Do up to 10 repetitions slowly.
Lying in a horizontal position, place a cushion under your lower back and alternately bend and straighten your legs. As you inhale, bend your leg, and as you exhale, straighten it. Repeat 15 times.

Do not forget that while wearing a corset, the muscles atrophy if they are not given moderate physical activity. It is this combination - bandage + gymnastics - that will lead to recovery. Very often, patients forget about this, and instead of positive results, the need for surgery arises.

Once you start wearing a kidney corset, do not forget to visit your doctor from time to time. He must monitor the pathological condition so that if the condition worsens, he can immediately take the necessary measures. If the doctor insists on surgery, you should agree to avoid deterioration in the functioning of other internal organs.