Q: My 62 years old father underwent a dynamic renal scintigraphy. The result showed right renal unit function - 28.99 and GFR was 25.73; left renal unit function - 71.81 and GFR was 63.00. The doctor has suggested him to get his right kidney removed. Is this a correct move? He is having pain in lower abdomen and poor urine retention. What should we do?

A:Your father's right kidney has 25 ml/minute GFR (normal 45 ml/ minute to 50 ml/ minute), which is significant and should be done away with only if he has uncontrolled high blood pressure requiring more than 4 or 5 drugs in full doses, or severe life threatening infection, or severe uncontrolled pain in kidney area, or severe bleeding from this kidney. I believe that your father has none of these. I do not think that this kidney needs removal. The doctor should have good reason to remove a partially functioning kidney.