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Urology (Expert Forum)
Auto Nephrectomy
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Auto Nephrectomy
by Mary__0__0, Jan 04, 1999 12:00AM
My four year old daughter was born with blocked ureter causing hydro nephrosis. She had surgery done at 1 month old, to try to unblock the ureter. Unfortunately it only helped for about 2 years. We recently found out that the ureter closed up, and the kidney is no longer functioning. My question is, is there anything I need to be aware of, or make sure she doesn't eat or drink that could be harmful to someone with only one kidney.
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Dear Mary,
There have been discussions regarding limiting protein intake in individuals with solitary kidneys but little has been demonstrated to matter. I would urge that she be allowed to live a normal life and not be constantly reminded about her kidney situation. The official line with children is to limit them from contact sports to avoid traumatizing the functioning kidney. We only have one brain, heart, etc. and yet we play these sports and take our chances. So why should it be different for kidneys?
You might consider having her non-functioning kidney removed. It is not that big of an operation at this age (unless it’s your kid!) and leaving it may mean that she is carrying a liability forever without benefit. Discuss this with your urologist.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. The Henry Ford Hospital Department of Urology has experience in the evaluation and treatment of problems such as you describes. We would be most interested in helping you. You can reach us through our toll-free number (1-800-653-6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any x-rays [and pathology slides] (not just the reports) as well as any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
HFHS M.D.-SAL
*keyword: non-functioning kidney, solitary kidney
Member Comments
by amitsahu75, Jun 11, 2009 07:28PM
A related discussion, autonephrectomy was started.
