Only one Kidney

[Margarita170]

I only have one kidney and recently had a ultrasound to make sure it was o.k  when the doctor talk to me told me that i have an enlarged right kidney what does that mean is it bad if that is the only one i have?

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

When one has only one kidney, either from birth or following removal/significant damage involving the other one early in life (within the first few decades), the remaining kidney compensates by doing the job of two and in the process, physically increases in size. This is not a bad thing.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.

This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. It
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Henry Ford  Hospital  or the
Vattikuti Urologic Institute.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic
and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical  condition.

[melnich619]

My son has only one kidney too because he had his right one removed in December 2006.  I also was concerned when we did his follow up Ultrasound to find out his left kidney is much larger than normal.  His urologist assured me this is normal since it's performing the job of two kidneys!  Hope this helps!