A 21-year-old Xi’an university student learned he had three kidneys during a routine exam. One extra kidney, nonfunctional due to ureter obstruction, was surgically removed.

Social Context

Tri-kidney anomalies occur in ~1 in 500 births but rarely cause symptoms. China’s national student health screening program—expanded in 2022 to include abdominal ultrasound—has increased detection of congenital urological conditions, enabling early intervention before complications arise.

Safety Tip

Participate fully in school-mandated health screenings; report any persistent flank pain or urinary changes for prompt ultrasound evaluation.