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Dear Debbie,
According to what you have said, it seems that the primary site of the problem is the right side. In the face of a 25% function the removal of the kidney is harder to justify than if there were more deterioration of the function. There are two things that your urologist might want to do. First, is to obtain another renal scan to determine if the function has deteriorated further, or stayed the same or improved. Second, a metabolic process causing or worsening your stone formation should be ruled out. He has already looked at your parathyroid. The other thing is to get a 24hr. urine, and also make sure you don’t have a malabsorption problem.
By modifying your diet for oxalate and increasing your fluid intake, as well as alkalinizing your urine you may acheive some progress. If a malabsorption problem is present, it has to be addressed also.
The obstruction with the delayed clearance might be as a result of scar tissue formation and strictures. In the face of this and continued stone formation and infection a reoperation might be considered, provided that the kidney function is still good. This may be done via either open revision of the endopyelotomy(open surgery) or percutaneous endopyelotomy/incision of stricture(surgery through a scope). By a combination of surgery and addressing metabolic issues you may do better than before.
On the other hand, with a poorly functioning kidney, and continued stones and infections and their associated morbidities, a kidney removal might serve you better, especially if your other(left) kidney has good function. You should discuss this with your urologist.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568).
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. BE
* Keyword: UPJ and Stones